For Your Health: Guide to colon health Published March 22, 2013 By Medical Staff 27th Special Operations Medical Group CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Understanding your risk of developing healthcare problems is the first step toward proper health. Receiving high-quality preventive care is also an important part of staying healthy and your Medical Management Team and the Population Health Group at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., are here to help you take that first step. Regular physical exams and routine health screening tests are an important part of preventive healthcare. These steps can help ensure that common, serious health concerns and conditions like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease are detected and treated. During checkups, your healthcare providers can also suggest ways to make lifestyle changes. These changes may help you to become healthier and prevent future problems. March is recognized as ColoRectal Cancer Awareness month. Colon cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the colon. The colon, as well as the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines, are part of the body's digestive system. The digestive system removes and processes nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water from foods, and helps pass waste material out of the body. Age and health history can affect your risk of developing colon cancer. Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a "risk factor." Having a risk factor does not mean you will get cancer, and you should be vigilant if none are present. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Risk factors include the following: People age 50 or older A family history of cancer of the colon or rectum A personal history of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium, or breast Polyps (small pieces of bulging tissue) in the colon Ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lining of the large intestine) or Crohn disease Certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC; Lynch Syndrome) Possible signs of colon cancer include a change in bowel habits or blood in the stool. These and other symptoms may be caused by colon cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur: A change in bowel habits Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely Stool that is more narrow than usual Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps Weight loss for no known reason Unusual fatigue Vomiting Please contact your Primary Care Manager if you have any questions or concerns.