These Early Signs of Colon Cancer Are Often Ignored
Colon cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the country, but it is less common than pancreatic or lung cancers. This type of cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally in your colon or rectum, two digestive tract sections. Cells that form tumors can spread through your blood and lymphatic systems to other organs, invade healthy tissue, and cause even more trouble. So, let us understand the most common symptoms of colon cancer.
According to medical research, a change in bowel habits is often the first sign of colon cancer. The most common sign is straining during your bowel movements and incomplete bowel movements. Bowel movements that you cannot finish or are unrelieved by laxatives sit in your colon for days.
The symptoms of colon cancer are not always obvious and may include a frequent need to use the bathroom due to bloating or discomfort. Rectal bleeding is unexplained by other causes, and if your bowel movement generally causes rectal bleeding, it could be another symptom of colon cancer. Your bowel movement may pass blood or stool stained red by the blood. You may experience rectal bleeding from these conditions: hemorrhoids and anuses that are too loose (dilatation) or too tight (constipation). When this happens, stool can’t pass through entirely and ends up collecting in the colon instead of moving through usually. This build-up causes irritation and inflammation in nearby tissues and organs like your rectum. It’s also known as prolapsed hemorrhoids or prolapsed anus syndrome, which means there’s nothing wrong with either one.
Having fresh blood or a black, tarry stool after a bowel movement
The stool may be the consistency of peanut butter or tar, and the color can range from red to dark brown to black. The presence of blood in your stool could indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract, such as stomach ulcers or small tumors that haven’t been detected yet (called “suspicious polyps”). However, if you have no other symptoms and notice this one thing on its own, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything will happen; it could just be an oddity for which there isn’t any logical explanation yet.
Frequent cramping or abdominal pain that lasts longer
Frequent cramping or abdominal pain which lasts longer than a few days can also indicate colon cancer. Such cramps are not immediately relieved but persist periodically. When such cramps are not relieved by bowel movements or drinking water, it is essential to consult a doctor.
Weakness and fatigue
Constantly feeling tired or weak is another sign of colon cancer. You must consult a doctor as soon as possible to let them know what is happening so they can help you figure out what is happening inside yourself.
Colon cancer symptoms should never be ignored, especially if they come without explanation and persist for more than a day or two. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should immediately see your doctor.
Diagnosis
Several tests can help determine if you have colorectal cancer. Some of them are:
Blood test
A blood test can determine whether your body has elevated levels of CA-125, a protein in the blood associated with colorectal cancer. If your doctor finds high levels, they may order further tests to get more information about your condition.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is another way to check for signs of colon cancer; it involves passing an endoscope through your throat into the intestine (or colon) and taking pictures or making biopsies as needed. This procedure may not reveal all signs of disease because it can miss small tumors if they’re at an early stage, but it’s still valid even if only some symptoms are found during this procedure. A colonoscopy uses special equipment inserted into the anus to examine its lining thoroughly. CT scans show how well tissue matches up with other tissues inside us; this makes it easier for doctors to see how much damage has been done by certain types and where exactly there might be problems within our bodies’ walls.
Treatment options
There are several different types of treatment for early colon cancer. These include surgery, chemotherapy (chemotherapy), radiotherapy (radiotherapy), targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy. You may also have a staging procedure to determine the severity of your disease. During this procedure, you will be given an oral contrast agent that causes blood vessels to appear on images taken after injection into your liver or spleen so doctors can see them clearly during surgery. This test helps doctors decide if it’s safe for them to operate on other parts of your body because there might not be enough healthy tissue left around.
Prevention
You can prevent colon cancer from developing by:
Regular screening with a colonoscopy
This is the best way to catch any precancerous cells early on, so you must have one every ten years starting at age 50. You should also see your doctor at least two years before your next one if you have a genetic history of colon cancer or are over 50 years old.
Healthy meal plans and lifestyle choices
Exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer in later life (possibly even preventing it). Some products have been shown to increase the development of adenomatous polyps and non-cancerous tumors in the colon, which may lead to more aggressive forms of this disease later down the road if not removed immediately after diagnosis.
Lifestyle changes
Make it a point to exercise regularly, prepare healthy meals, and get regular screenings and checkups, including colon cancer screening tests like fecal occult blood testing (FOBT).
Conclusion
If you notice any of the above symptoms and they persist for more than a few days, it’s time to see your healthcare professional. They will be able to assist you better and can diagnose the condition if there is something to be concerned about.
