Cancer diagnosis has been on the rise and the recent one that made the headlines is of the Married At First Sight dating coach Mel Schilling. Mel Schilling is an Australian dating coach and one of the most high-profile therapists in Australia. She became a well-known name and an absolute fan-favorite after being featured as a dating coach on Channel Nine’s Married At First Sight.
Mel recently took to Instagram to announce that she has been diagnosed with colon cancer and would be spending the holidays getting the treatment. She penned a message in the caption and put the whole story behind her diagnosis. With that she also urged the readers to not ignore anything that doesn’t feel right and to keep going until you get all the answers.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer, sometimes known as colorectal cancer, refers to the growth of cells that form in a part of the large intestine called the colon. It is the first and the longest part of the large intestine. Colon cancer usually starts with small clumps of cells called polyps, which are generally not cancerous but can progress into one.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer symptoms vary from patient to patient based on the cancer’s size and location. However, some common symptoms include a change in bowel movement pattern, frequent diarrhea and constipation, fatigue, rectal bleeding, stomach pain, bloating, and unexplained weight loss.
Also Read: Warning Of Colon Cancer In Young People
Is Colon Cancer Becoming A More Common Diagnosis In Young Adults?
Colon or colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths under the age of 50. Though it is still not established why what is causing the rise in colon cancer diagnoses among young adults, lack of exercise and not monitoring your diet can be the reason. According to Dr. Salil Patkar, Medical Oncologist, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, change in food and lifestyle plays a pivotal role in our overall health and wellness. The increasing trend of consuming processed food, excessive sugar, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated beverages significantly affects gut health and leads to more severe problems, including colon cancer. He also added that the increasing awareness and easy access to medical screening can also be the reasons for a spike in the number of diagnoses being made.
How Is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?
The most preferred way to diagnose these kinds of cancers is the process called colonoscopy. For this procedure, a tube-like thin instrument with a light and a lens for viewing is inserted into the patient’s rectum. It is very helpful in inspecting the inside of the colon and remove the polyps from there, if any. For the procedure, the patient is first asked to be on a liquid diet and given anesthesia so that there is no memory of the procedure.
Also Read: How NOT To Mistake Colorectal Cancer For Common Gastrointestinal Disorders
How Is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?
The most preferred way to diagnose these kinds of cancers is the process called colonoscopy. For this procedure, a tube-like thin instrument with a light and a lens for viewing is inserted into the patient’s rectum. It is very helpful in inspecting the inside of the colon and remove the polyps from there, if any. For the procedure, the patient is first asked to be on a liquid diet and given anesthesia so that there is no memory of the procedure.
How To Avoid Colon Cancer?
Colon or colorectal cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes and regular screening. Among the rest, it is advised to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limit alcohol consumption, not smoking, and keep an active lifestyle.