5 Unusual Signs Of COLON CANCER
5 Unusual Signs Of COLON CANCER
Colon cancer is a serious condition, but it is easily treatable if caught early. Colon cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages, but the earlier it's caught, the easier it is to treat. If you notice any of these changes and they don't go away on their own within a few days, consider making an appointment with your doctor.
Changes in bowel habits
One of the first symptoms of colon cancer can be a change in bowel pattern. For example, it can cause constipation, diarrhea, and loose stools. All of these changes may be normal if temporary, but if they don't go away after a few days, you should let your doctor know.
Keep in mind that some people experience long-term changes in bowel habits due to other serious medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. However, if your bowel habits change and don't return to normal, you should always see your doctor to help prevent cancer.
blood in the stool
One of the main symptoms of colon cancer is blood in the stool. In some cases, this blood can be bright red and very noticeable. It can occur alone or only be observed during bowel movements. In other cases, colon cancer blood darkens the stool. Bleeding can be so slight that you don't see it at all.
Blood in the stool can be caused by many different things, including hemorrhoids or other problems. However, blood on the toilet paper or stool should be reported to the doctor, especially if it occurs more than once.
anemia
Colon cancer often causes bleeding, sometimes without realizing it. Anemia can occur with regular bleeding. Anemia is a condition in which there are too few red blood cells to effectively carry oxygen around the body.
You may know you have anemia from a routine blood test, or you may suspect it if you experience symptoms of anemia such as extreme tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, cold hands and feet, or pale skin.
Anemia can have many causes, including a lack of iron in your diet. However, you may have internal bleeding and not realize it, so the cause of the anemia should always be investigated to rule out a more serious condition such as colon cancer.
stomach pain
Depending on the location of the tumor and other factors, some people with colon cancer may not have any symptoms until the disease is in a later stage. For others, however, abdominal pain can be the first symptom of colon cancer. As with other colon cancer symptoms, abdominal pain can have many other causes. If you have abdominal pain that isn't caused by another medical condition, it's time to talk to your doctor.
Weight loss for no apparent reason
Unexplained weight loss is another symptom of colon cancer. In fact, unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of various types of cancer. If you lose more than ten pounds in a few months without even trying, it could be a sign of a problem.
If you notice any of these changes or other symptoms of colon cancer, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, your doctor may recommend blood tests, a colonoscopy, or other tests to rule out colon cancer. If you're over 50 or at high risk for the disease, it's important to get screened for colon cancer as recommended by your doctor.
