Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the linings of the large intestine or the rectum, or in some cases, both. About 750,000 people in the US are diagnosed with this condition every year. The number of undiagnosed cases, however, are still high. Here is everything you need to know about the condition, so that you can spot symptoms early on and get the treatment you need. Disease overview Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the chronic inflammation of the colon, which is the lining of your large intestine. It is that part where undigested food and waste materials are stored. The tip or the end of the colon is called the rectum and the waste materials are removed from the body through the rectal area. When the colon gets inflamed, it can also cause inflammation of the rectum, and the result is abdominal pain, a frequent need to pass stools, and general discomfort. UC is a part of the larger group of conditions called Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This is a chronic condition, which means that the symptoms develop with time rather than suddenly. It is said that people between the ages of 15 and 35 are mostly diagnosed with this condition.

Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection, leading to inflammation and chronic damage to the organ. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the causal organism of this disease. There are five stages of this infection- incubation period (time between the contact with the virus and the appearance of symptoms), acute hepatitis C (short-term illness lasting for six months), chronic hepatitis C (long-term infection), cirrhosis (scarring and severe inflammation of the liver), and liver cancer (malignancy in the liver). Regular screening, timely diagnosis, and early treatment can cure hepatitis C in most cases. Symptoms Symptoms of hepatitis C range from mild to severe as the infection progresses from the acute to the chronic stage. In some cases, patients do not manifest any symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage. However, they can transmit the infection to others in this condition. Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis C Symptoms of acute hepatitis C usually develop after 2 to 12 weeks of exposure to the virus. Since these signs mimic many other medical issues, doctors often describe hepatitis C as a “silent epidemic.” It usually remains undiagnosed, and many patients clear this infection from their body spontaneously. Studies reveal that about 15 to 25 percent of acute hepatitis C patients undergo spontaneous viral clearance.

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast cells and affects the lobules or the ducts of the breast. The gland which produces milk is the lobule and the pathways through which milk is brought from the glands to the nipple are the ducts. In some cases, the cancer also develops in the fatty tissues of the breast. Cancer cells travel to other parts of the body through lymph nodes that are found under the arms. It is more commonly found in women and is one of the most common cancers affecting people around the world. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer Symptoms and signs of breast cancer may vary from person to person. Initially, breast cancer might not show any symptoms, as the tumor is too small in size. However, getting a mammogram is always the best option to detect breast cancer. Let’s go through the symptoms for a better understanding of the condition. An abnormal lump or a knot Change in the shape, color, size, or appearance of the breast Pain or tenderness in the breast Inverted nipple Peeling or flaking of areola or breast skin Swelling in breast Bloody discharge Irritation in breast skin Fatigue Sudden weight gain or weight loss Changes in bowel habits, with discomfort after meals Heaviness while breathing Unexplained hot flushes, night sweats All lumps are not cancerous, but it’s always good to be wary.