10 Warning Signs Of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a serious disease with potentially life-threatening consequences. However, it is highly treatable if it caught early.
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Everyone should be aware of the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. Everyone should also be aware of the need to have a colonoscopy once they reach their fiftieth birthday. People who are proactive can catch any problems with their colon early. Doing so increases a person's odds of long-term survival.
It also increases their chances of reducing the need for what can be deeply debilitating treatment. An understanding of the signs of colon cancer along with a lifestyle that includes a good diet with lots of fiber is vitally important.
1. A Family History
While not all cases of colon cancer are linked to having a family history of the disease, your odds of getting it are increased if you have a family member with the illness. About one in three cases of colon cancer are as a result of inherited risks. It's a good idea to speak to your family about this matter. You might not know if someone in your family had cancer. Asking people around you if they know about a family history of the disease can help you be proactive about it.
2. Blood in the Stool
Bleeding of any kind in your stool can happen on occasion. However, in general this is not a good sign. If you see even a hint of blood, it's probably time to contact your doctor. If you see even more blood after a bowel movement, this can be a sign of colon cancer. It's a good idea to make a note of the kind of bleeding that you see before you talk to your doctor. Let them know if the color is more of a muted maroon tone or bright red.
3. Constipation
Constipation is a common condition. At some point in time, most people will feel the need to have a bowel movement but find themselves unable to do so. This condition is irritating but it is not life threatening. However, if this happens over a period of time and continues to be an issue, it can be a sign of something serious. Taking laxatives can help. If the condition continues and you find yourself constantly straining to have a movement, it's probably time to speak with your doctor. Be specific about how long this condition has been going on in your life.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another issue that has been linked with the possibility of colon cancer. Diarrhea is a highly common condition that affects people of all ages. It can have many causes including food poisoning, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis. A single bout of discomfort that goes away in a day is not generally clinically significant. If this continues over time, it can be an indication that something is really wrong. Observe how long it continues and when it happens. If this happens on a daily basis, it can be an indication of colon cancer.
5. Changes in Bowel Habits
Many people have a pattern when it comes to their digestive system and bowel habits. What is normal for one person may be unusual for another person. If you are at risk of colon cancer, it's best to keep a close eye on your bathroom habits. You should know when you are likely to have a bowel movement and for how long. This is a person pattern that is unique to you. If you see any changes at all over time, this can be an indication that there might be something wrong with your colon.
6. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can come and go. It's not unusual to feel pain in this area. A woman may feel pain during her menses. She may also feel pain when she's in the early stages of a pregnancy. Persistent abdominal pain should be checked out by a medical professional. It's best to be as specific as possible about the location and duration of the pain in your stomach. Let the doctor know when the pain began. It's also best to indicate if you've had issues with this kind of pain in the past.
7. Feeling Weak or Tired
Feeling weak or tired over time can be an indication something is wrong with your body and needs attention. People can feel tired for many reasons including many kinds of underlying medical conditions including a lack of varied diet or problems with ongoing stress. There's usually a good reason why people feel this way. If you find you're feeling weak and tired all the time without any underlying known reasons, this can be a sign you might have colon cancer. This is particularly true if you feel tired even though you know you're getting all the sleep you need each night.
8. The Constant Need For a Bowel Movement
Having a feeling that you need to head to the bathroom all the time to have a bowel movement can be an indication you might have colon cancer. If you feel this need even though you've already had one, it's best to get it checked out as soon as possible. If it happens once or twice, it can be merely an indication you have a temporary issue such as the consumption of certain foods you should probably avoid. If it happens on a constant basis, it's a good idea to contact your doctor.
9. Changes in the Stool
A standard bowel movement is brown with a specific texture that is easily visible when you see in the toilet bowl. In general, the stool is also about the width of a pencil with an obviously firm texture. Stools that are much larger or smaller in width can indicate there's a problem with your colon. If you think something is wrong with your stool, make a note of it when you go to the bathroom. Tell your doctor what you see.
10. Weight Loss
Weight is an indication of your overall personal health. If you're not on a diet, weight loss can be an indication you might have a problem with colon cancer. Losing a few pounds over time is not generally a cause for concern especially if you've been more active than usual. However, if you realize you're down by a significant amount and you've made no changes in your lifestyle, this is something that you should note to your doctor. The same is also true if this kind of major weight loss happens over a longer period of time.
While these are two very scary words, colon cancer can be treated successfully when it is caught early. It's a good idea to pay close attention to all areas of your body as you go about your daily life. Knowing what's normal for you personally is imperative and should be a priority. That's a good way to be aware of how your body normally functions. It's also a good way to be aware of any changes you note are merely temporary or may be an indication that something's really wrong.
Author: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding health or finances. It is not intended to endorse any individual or company. This article is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should consult a qualified professional for personal advice.
