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How to Know If You Have Colon Cancer

early detection of colon cancer

The colonic mucosal cells, the digestive system’s last section, are where colon cancer first develops. On the inner side of the colon, benign or noncancerous growths known as polyps often first appear.

Abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and constipation are all potential signs of colorectal cancer.

Concern should be expressed once signs continue to exist for more than two weeks. That is especially true if they are coupled with stomach discomfort, bloody stools, or accidental weight loss.

When to See Doctor ?

is-blood-in-stool-dangerous

See a doctor if you see any of these typical cancer symptoms:

  • Faeces with blood (Blood in Poop) :

If you have darker-coloured stools or observe apparent blood in your stool, this might signify bleeding in the colon or rectum. However, there may sometimes be bleeding present but not apparent.

Occult (hidden) blood is what this is and may not be identified until a blood test reveals a low red blood cell count and stool examination finds microscopic blood.

These tests are usually performed when the patient presents with unusual weight loss or unexplained anaemia.

  • Rectal Bleeding :

Bright red blood in the stool often indicates rectal or colon bleeding, which might be a colon or rectal cancer symptom. Haemorrhoids may also result in rectal bleeding.

Haemorrhoid patients often report symptoms that fluctuate with flare-ups, but cancer-related rectal bleeding generally persists or becomes worse and is more highly probable to be influenced by discomfort.

  • Bloating and pain in the abdomen :

Colon or rectal cancer signs include stomach bloating, distention, cramping, or discomfort in the abdomen or bowel area.

These are frequent problems that may also be brought on by various illnesses, such as gastrointestinal discomfort brought on by food poisoning, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.

See a physician if you often have bloating and stomach discomfort unrelated to an illness.

  • Nausea and Vomiting :

If a colon or rectal cancer is blocking the gut and preventing the passage of liquid, solid, or gaseous waste, nausea and vomiting may result.

In addition, constipation, bloating, and unpleasant stomach cramps may all be symptoms of bowel obstruction.

Vomiting and nausea are signs of various illnesses, which may be mild or life-threatening.

Seek emergency medical attention if you develop long-lasting nausea, indications of dehydration, or vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours.

  • Unexpected weight loss, decreased appetite, and weariness :

In addition to many other unrelated problems, losing weight, losing your appetite, or feeling weak might all be rectal or colon cancer symptoms. These signs and symptoms are often connected in people with rectal or colon cancer. 

For example, losing weight might result from persistent diarrhoea. In addition, your appetite may be diminished by stomach discomfort and nausea, preventing you from eating enough to keep your weight. Finally, weakness may result from any of these conditions.

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Other Symptoms of Colon Cancer 

Following are some other symptoms of colon cancer:

  • Changes to Bowel Patterns :

The following are changes in bowel movements that may be a sign of colon or rectal cancer:

  • Diarrhoea or constipation that just started
  • Alterations in the frequency, amount, or quality of bowel motions
  • A bowel that doesn’t appear to be empty
  • The stool is slimmer than usual 

See a physician, however, if you have new, unexplained symptoms that last more than a few days.

  • Anaemia :

A lack of red blood cells or haemoglobin is the defining feature of the blood condition anaemia. Intestinal bleeding may result in anaemia in people with colon or rectal cancer. Anaemia may be the first indication of blood loss, based on where the bleeding is happening in the colon.

Skin pallor (paleness), an elevated heart rate, exhaustion, lightheadedness, and irregular menstrual cycles are all typical signs of anaemia.

  • Pelvic Pain :

Patients with rectal or colon cancer seldom have pelvic pain. However, if it does, it can signify that cancer has progressed to the pelvic region.

Read More: Is Colon Cancer Curable if Caught Early?

Conclusion

It would help if you did not neglect changes to your typical bowel motions since they might indicate colon cancer. 

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    Dr. Praveen Kammar

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    Dr. Praveen Kammar is a Best Surgical Oncologist in Mumbai. His main area of expertise aslso includes GI oncology, Gynecological cancers, minimal access surgeries, Robotics surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, HIPEC.

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