There are many myths surrounding colorectal cancer that cause fear among people. Although this fear helps you stay safe from this type of cancer, you have the right to know what is true and false about it.
Here are 3 myths about colorectal cancer;
1. Nothing can be done about developing colorectal cancer
You might have heard somewhere that developing colorectal cancer can't be prevented. This is not true. This type of cancer is actually preventable. A low-fat diet, high in fruits and vegetables and exercise are effective for reducing colorectal cancer risks. Additionally, this cancer develops from non-cancerous polyps in the linings of the colon and rectum. These polyps can be detected early through screening hence preventing this type of cancer.
2. You can't get colon cancer before you turn 50
Although colorectal cancer is more common in people with advanced ages, there is no guarantee that people of younger age cannot develop it. Your safety against this type of cancer depends on your diet and how active your body is. This, therefore, means that despite how young you are, a diet full of fatty foods and an inactive body all expose you to colorectal cancer.
3. If I don't have symptoms, I don't have colon cancer
According to rosewellpark.org, more than half of the people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of this cancer such as changes in stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. The scary thing is that these symptoms only begin to manifest once the disease is in its advanced stages. It is, therefore, wrong to believe that if you don't have the symptoms, you don't have the disease.