March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. According to a survey, third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States is caused by colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum and often occurs without any symptoms. They are often grouped together because they have many features in common. It is recommended that people with normal risk begin screening at age 50. However, people with higher risk factors, such as a history of inflammatory bowel disease or certain genetic markers, should begin the screening earlier.

There are several prevention methods like early screening that can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. According to a research conducted in Augusta University, US, revealed, that a small, daily dosage of the popular erectile dysfunction drug Viagra may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Let’s learn about the symptoms, prevention and how Viagra plays an active role in reducing the risk of colon or rectum cancer.

Symptoms

Colorectal cancer in its early stages often has no symptoms. Patients are encouraged to visit their healthcare provider if they have the following symptoms.

  • Bleeding from the rectum

  • Blood in the stool

  • Change in bowel habits like diarrhoea or constipation

  • Pain, bloating, persistent cramps or discomfort in the lower abdomen

  • An urge of bowel movement even when the bowel is empty

  • Unintentional weight loss

These symptoms can also indicate other health conditions. A doctor can help get the root cause of the issue and determine the underlying cause. It is important to visit your healthcare provider if symptoms persist for more than four weeks.

Prevention

Regular colonoscopy screenings reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Screenings can help detect the disease early or find polyps before they become cancerous. Living a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise, a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake and eliminating smoking can reduce risk for colorectal and many other forms of cancer. Being aware of your family’s medical history is important as well. A history of the disease in your immediate family puts you at a higher risk for the disease. While most of cases occur at age 50, the disease can happen at any age to both men and women.

Viagra Reduces the Risk of Colorectal Cancer

According to a study conducted in mice, Viagra may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Viagra cuts in half the formation of polyps, an abnormal and often asymptomatic clump of cells on the lining of the intestines that may become cancerous.  When placed in the drinking water, the research team found that Viagra reduced polyps in a mouse model with a genetic mutation that occurs in humans. However, the research also showed increased levels of the chemical cyclic GMP, which is known to affect the intestinal lining called epithelium. The results of the increased cyclic GMP include suppression of some of the excessive cell proliferation that occurs in the gut and an increase in normal cell differentiation as well as natural elimination of abnormal cells, through a process called apoptosis. Viagra is best known for its ability to relax and smooth muscle cells around blood vessels, so they can more easily fill with blood, which is how it helps both erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension.

Colorectal cancer is treatable and the earlier it’s detected the better chancer of survival. This Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, head to your doctor if you feel that you are at a risk of contacting the disease.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 19, 2018 03:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).