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.