The colon is a large intestine and part of the digestive system. It helps break down food, absorb water and nutrients from it, and get rid of waste products left over. Colon cancer begins in the cells lining the inside of the colon or rectum. If caught at this early stage, there may still be an opportunity for successful treatment. However, it can be more challenging to treat successfully if not found until later stages when cancer has grown into nearby organs or tissues. This article will help you identify some signs that might indicate colorectal cancer so you can take action before it becomes too late!
Constipation
Constipation is one of the earliest signs which can indicate colon cancer. A tumor-blocking stool might cause it from entering the rectum. It could be that constipation comes first and causes pressure on other organs in its vicinity, damaging them to cause colorectal cancer. Constipation is a common condition that most people experience at some point in their life. However, if it becomes severe and constant, it might be an indication of colon cancer.
Blood in Stool
Every time you go to the bathroom, there should never be blood present with your stool! However, if spotting occurs after straining during bowel movements, it probably has nothing to do with an underlying medical condition at all – so don’t worry! Suppose you have been experiencing this symptom for over nine consecutive months without any diet or medication intake change. In that case, it may signal something more severe than just hemorrhoids (which usually only last about three weeks).
Thin Stool
If your stool is less than three inches in circumference, it could be an indication of colon cancer. This may occur because the tumor-blocking stool has not left enough space for the formation of larger stools. If you are experiencing this symptom over a prolonged period (over six months), take note that it might be something more significant than constipation!
Blood Clots
When blood mixes with waste products to form tiny clumps or globules, they can appear as dark red spots on your toilet paper after eliminating bowel movements. Although many people pass these without knowing anything about them – sometimes up to several times every day – if there is continuous spotting and cramping pain associated with defecation accompanied by diarrhea, this might signal colorectal cancer.
Bloating and Gas
Gas is a normal part of digestion, but it should never become severe enough to cause pain or difficulty breathing! Bloating can be very uncomfortable for some people, while others do not even notice the swelling in their abdomen from the trapped gas. However, experience bloating accompanied with abdominal discomfort or cramping over nine months without other symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea acting up simultaneously. This might be an indication that colorectal cancer could develop since tumors tend to trap intestinal gases.
Fatigue and Weakness
Another sign of colon cancer is fatigue and weakness, which may occur because tumors take away vital energy needed for your body’s functions to operate properly, like sitting upright, staying alert, or working. This might be a sign you should see your doctor if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as unintentional weight loss and changes in bowel habits lasting more than six weeks.
Night Sweats
Although several things can cause night sweats, it is still essential to monitor this symptom because it may signify colon cancer. Tumors close to the heart and not entirely removed from it may cause this. Abscesses or perforations in tumors are two possibilities, although their connections are unknown. If you’re experiencing a sudden increase in nighttime sweat for the first time, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got cancer – but it does suggest that seeing your doctor is warranted.
Unexpected Weight Loss
It’s easy to think of weight reduction as a gift rather than something to be wary of. If you have been experiencing unexplained weight loss, it may be because of something as serious as colon cancer! Colon cancer is one of the most typical indications of weight loss. It’s also a common symptom in other types of cancers, such as endometrial and ovarian cancer. Many people who experience unexpected weight loss also report feeling extremely tired and having little to no appetite. This can signal colon cancer if the other signs are present as well.
Anemia
Anemia is a medical condition where the blood does not contain enough hemoglobin. Anemia implies that blood is being lost from somewhere in the body. If it isn’t visible on the outside, there’s a good chance that something is wrong with your internal organs. Anemia is often considered a secondary symptom of colon cancer, but it can also be the first sign. If you have colon cancer and are anemic, you may believe that you would notice any toilet-related issues. However, even a full six months before you experience problems in the bathroom, anemia may begin to manifest itself.
Conclusion
These are some of the most commonly ignored signs of colon cancer. Although they may seem innocuous, it is crucial to be aware of them and see a doctor if any persist for an extended period. Remember that prevention is key, so make sure to get screened regularly for colorectal cancer even if you don’t exhibit any of these warning signs! Early diagnosis could mean the difference between life and death regarding cancer.