Most instances of colon cancer show no symptoms or warning signs until the condition has reached its advanced stage. However, the symptoms highlighted below may signify colon cancer. Yes, the symptoms may indicate other conditions such as infection, hemorrhoid or IBD. Thus, patients should reach out to their physician if they notice any of the symptoms mentioned below.
Colon cancer symptoms
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain, cramps or bloating is commonplace – almost everyone experiences them. In most cases, it is not a symptom of a chronic condition. And the severity of the discomfort is not essentially a reflection of the gravity of the condition responsible for the pain.
If you notice any level of unusual abdominal pain, you should contact your doctor. The solution may be simple, or further screening may be necessary to diagnose any underlying condition. Be aware of your body and pay attention to any abnormality.
Bloody stool
Regardless of the cause, anal bleeding is a serious matter. You should visit a doctor for an examination to know if it is a sign of a condition like hemorrhoids or something more complicated like colon cancer, and prepare a suitable treatment plan.
If you discover bright red or deep dark blood in your stool, coupled with debilitating pain, you need to contact your doctor immediately. The doctor will examine you and possibly recommend a colonoscopy to check for polyps or tumors that may be causing the issue.
Changes in bowel patterns
Bowel changes are normal in everyone. We may suffer diarrhea or constipation caused by a meal or sickness such as the flu. However, continuous changes in your bowel patterns may signify a more severe condition. If you suffer diarrhea or constipation lasting for several weeks, you need to contact your doctor for a medical evaluation.
Another alteration in bowel patterns that could mean colon cancer is a change in the stool look or overly narrower stool. If the stool appears pencil-thin or different for several weeks, a doctor’s appointment is necessary.
Unusual weight loss
Most people would be happy to shed weight, but if your recent remarkable weight loss is unexplainable, then you should be little worried. Baffling weight loss caused by colon cancer happens only after cancer has advanced.
Another symptom of colon cancer is diarrhea lasting for several days. Diarrhea can cause weight loss. Abdominal pain may cause irregular eating pattern. If you lose weight significantly due to these symptoms, then you need to consult with your doctor for a diagnosis.
Mysterious Anemia
Anemia is a condition referring to the shortage of red blood cells. Regarding colon cancer, anemia can be a result of the seemingly insignificant amount of blood lost in the stool. In this situation, the body’s iron store depletes as iron escapes with the red blood cells. Also, the production of red blood cells diminishes, ultimately causing lower red blood cell count, causing anemia.
Vomiting
Motion sickness, virus and repulsive odor or sight are normal situations that can cause vomiting. However, if nausea and vomiting are joined by other symptoms like pain or constipation, then colon cancer may be responsible. If colon cancer is the cause, it is because a tumor is obstructing the bowels.
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