Introduction
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). It is the third most common cancer in both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 104,270 new cases of colon cancer and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States in 2021. However, the good news is that colon cancer is highly treatable if detected early. In this article, we will discuss the seven early warning signs of colon cancer that you should not ignore.
7 Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE:
Changes in Bowel Habits
Changes in bowel habits can be an early sign of colon cancer. These changes may include constipation, diarrhea, changes in stool consistency, blood in the stools, and abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. While these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, it is essential to rule out colon cancer as a potential cause. Regular screening for colon cancer can also help detect the disease early, when it is more treatable.
Blood in Stool
Blood in the stool, also known as rectal bleeding, is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from minor to serious. Some possible causes of blood in the stool include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, and colon cancer. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience blood in the stool, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or weight loss.
Your healthcare provider may recommend tests, such as a colonoscopy, to determine the cause of the bleeding and provide appropriate treatment. Early detection and treatment of the underlying cause of blood in the stool can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Persistent abdominal pain and cramping, especially if it is accompanied by bloating, could be a sign of colon cancer. This could be caused by a tumor blocking the intestine.
Abdominal pain and cramping can be a symptom of colon cancer, particularly if the pain is persistent or severe. Other symptoms of colon cancer may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and only a healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause.
If you experience persistent or severe abdominal pain or cramping, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend tests, such as a colonoscopy, to help diagnose or rule out colon cancer. Early detection and treatment of colon cancer can help improve outcomes, so it is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of colon cancer, particularly if the weight loss is significant or occurs without changes in diet or physical activity. Other symptoms of colon cancer may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain.
However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and only a healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause. If you experience unexplained weight loss, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Your healthcare provider may recommend tests, such as a colonoscopy, to help diagnose or rule out colon cancer. Early detection and treatment of colon cancer can help improve outcomes, so it is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Fatigue and Weakness
If you feel tired and weak all the time, it could be a sign of colon cancer. This could be due to the body fighting the cancer and using up a lot of energy.
Colon cancer can cause fatigue or weakness, which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Iron Deficiency Anemia:
If you have iron deficiency anemia, it could be a sign of colon cancer. Anemia is a condition in which you do not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. Colon cancer can cause bleeding in the intestine, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
Unexplained Vomiting
Unexplained vomiting is not a common symptom of colon cancer. However, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or is causing a bowel obstruction, vomiting may occur. Other symptoms of colon cancer may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience unexplained vomiting, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Your healthcare provider may recommend tests, such as imaging studies or blood tests, to help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms. While colon cancer is not a common cause of unexplained vomiting, prompt medical attention can help determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
FAQs:
Q: Who is at risk for colon cancer?
Ans: Anyone can develop colon cancer, but some people are at higher risk. These include people over the age of 50, people with a family history of colon cancer, and people with certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Q: How is colon cancer diagnosed?
Ans: Colon cancer is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including a colonoscopy, which allows doctors to look inside the colon and remove any polyps that may be cancerous.
Q: How is colon cancer treated?
Ans: The treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
Conclusion:
Colon cancer is a serious disease, but it is also highly treatable if detected early. If you notice any of the seven early warning signs of colon cancer discussed in this article, it is important to talk to your doctor. Remember, early detection can save lives.
