THE EARLY WARNING SIGN OF COLON CANCER

Colon cancer is considered as one of the most common cancers. Many men and women are affected by it. There are around 55000 cases every year of this cancer. Like any other cancer, the treatment of colon cancer is most effective when it is diagnosed in the early stages. Regular colonoscopies and colon cancer screenings should be done to catch them. It is equally important to recognize the signs and symptoms of colon cancer as it can a lifesaver. Regular screening and have shown to have saved 55% of deaths from this cancer. The signs and symptoms of colon cancer are:

Weight loss that has no explanation

Almost all types of cancer have sudden weight loss as a symptom. It is the same with colon cancer as well. The weight loss occurs in many ways. It can affect the bowel systems by blocking the colon, it can change the way the food is converted into energy, or it can use up a lot of body’s energy. So if sudden unexplained weight loss happens, consult a doctor immediately.

Weakness and Fatigue

Another evident symptom of colon cancer is weakness and fatigue. If you constantly feel tired even after taking rest, you may have colon cancer. Get a check-up done with a doctor to diagnose your problem.

Bloody stools

A vital sign of colon cancer is the presence of blood in the stool. If the stool appears very dark or black, it could be the signs of dried blood. A doctor should be consulted immediately if you see blood in the stools.

Abdominal cramps

Abdominal pain is a noncancerous condition and is a common symptom in a lot of diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhoids, etc. But if the pain is severe and does not go away easily can be a sign of colon cancer. A doctor should be consulted in such cases.

Changed Bowel Habits

It can be colon cancer if your stool is becoming thinner or there is a change in the frequency of the bowel movements. Polyps are small clumps of cells situated on the lining of the colon and rectum. These polyps are generally not harmful. However, some of the polyps can develop into cancer over time. And when they turn into cancer, it can affect the bowel habits as the tumour grows slowly.