Good digestive health is something we all need to be concerned about and it starts with having regular bowel movements. Most health problems actually stem from problems in the digestive system. Constipation is most frequently identified as the main cause or as a precursor and warning sign for more serious disorders. Irrespective of a direct or indirect, or any connection between constipation and colon cancer maintaining good digestive health is absolutely essential. Waste matter should be eliminated efficiently and regularly as a digestive system that does not function efficiently enough is likely to be crammed with waste material that creates a toxic environment. This puts tremendous pressure on the liver, lungs, kidneys, colon, blood, skin and lymphatic system as all of these organs are instrumental in cleansing your body of the toxins.
Constipation is not a risk factor for colon cancer but the onset of frequent or chronic constipation can be viewed as a warning sign of colon cancer. Any prolonged episodes or recurring bouts of constipation should therefore be treated as serious and you should seek advice from your doctor.
Chronic constipation can stem from a variety of other health problems like diabetes, certain medications or hypothyroidism among others. In such situations the constipation is merely a symptom and treating the cause will cure the symptom. In most cases however constipation is due to dietary and lifestyle habits. For this reason frequent or chronic constipation needs to be treated very seriously, as the causes of constipation are itself very similar to the causes for colon cancer.
Constipation can also of course at times simply be a symptom of colon cancer, which may occur if there is obstruction of the colon because of the tumor. This generally happens if the tumor is in the rectum or lower colon. This is because the stool already solidifies when in this area, whereas tumors that develop in the upper colon do not cause such a symptom as the stool is still not solidified.
There are several lifestyle factors that cause chronic constipation or frequent constipation and are also believed to pose a risk for colon cancer however. These would include a diet that is deficient in fiber and high in calories and fat. This would be typical of most developed western nations where there is a higher incidence of colon cancer. A sedentary lifestyle with almost no physical activity, obesity and smoking are other conditions that put you at risk of colon cancer. Apart from these lifestyle risks, there are also certain health conditions and heredity that can determine your risk of developing colon cancer.
answered by S D