If you’re concerned about ulcerative colitis, a gastroenterologist might be able to help diagnose your symptoms. Jewish people are also at higher risk for developing ulcerative colitis. It’s a long-term disease, but people who have it may experience periods of remission where they feel no symptoms whatsoever.Īccording to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, you may be at higher risk for ulcerative colitis if you eat a high-fat diet, if the disease seems to run in your family, or if your intestinal immune system is overly sensitive. This disease causes open sores to form inside the intestinal tract, causing pain that can be severe at times. The cancerous cells can spread from the inner layers of the colon through the walls of the organ and eventually into the blood vessels and lymph system, if left untreated.Įarly diagnosis improves your chances for recovery, so it’s a good idea to get regular colon screenings, especially if you have any of the risk factors or symptoms. The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, with more than 145,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed this year.Ĭolon cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop inside the colon, usually in polyps. It’s important to have a colonoscopy to find and remove polyps because they can get bigger over time, and the larger the polyp, the more likely it is to become cancerous. Smoking and being overweight also increase your risk. Anyone can get them, but they are more likely to form as you get older. Polyps are lumps of tissue in the colon, most of which are not cancerous. What sigmoid colon problems can arise? Polyps

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