Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Both male and female between 50-74 are the most affected categories of people. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described here in this article, then you are best to talk to your doctor. Apart of symptoms and signs, the background of this disease is very important to be mentioned also:
Risk Factors:
There are many risk factors for colon cancer but the major risk factors are:family history,diet, obesity,alcohol,smoking, inactivity, digestive disorders, genetic conditions, type 2 diabetes and night shift work.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer:
The most common symptoms that people with colon cancer have experienced are:
1.Blood in stools
Blood in the stool is the first sign of bowel cancer.The blood may be dark, or bright red, and mixed with mucus. Your doctor will recommend you a fecal occult blood test which means sending sample of your stool for laboratory analysis.
2.Changes in stool
Bleeding due to bowel cancer will make your stool very dark, even maroon, and sticky.You may also notice your stools becoming very narrow or ribbon-like, and the stool may only be as wide in diameter as a pen.
3.Rectal bleeding
“Bleeding from the rectum appears in most of the people with colon cancer”- an article published in the issue of “BMC Medicine” in July 2009 asserts.The blood is usually bright red and it may be found in the toilet bowl water or on the toilet paper and it may come after a painful bowel movement.
4.Trouble passing stool
Changes in passing of stools is a symptom of bowel cancer. You may have an urgent need to have a bowel movement and afterwards realize that there is no stool to be passed at all, or you may feel that your stool didn’t completely pass.
5.Anemia
Anemia can be caused by the loss of blood from bowel cancer,which is a shortage of red blood cells in the blood. Pale skin, being tired and weak and having short breath are all symptoms of anemia.
6. Abdominal Pain
Constant cramping, bloating and gas in your stomach are also symptoms of bowel cancer.
7. Weight Loss
Bowel cancer can result in weight loss even if you are eating normally. Alternatively, you may experience complete loss of appetite.The “BMC Medicine” article from July 2009 asserts that more than a third of the people with bowel cancer have an abnormal weight loss.
8. Constipation
Constant constipation is connected to colon cancer and increases the risk of its development.
9.Diarrhea
Another symptom of bowel cancer- constant diarrhea.
According to the “BMC Medicine” article, more than 1 in 5 people with colon cancer will experience diarrhea.
10.Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may appear with or without other abdominal symptoms, but they are worth to mention as one of the symptoms of bowel cancer.
So if you suspect that something is wrong, you should you should visit the doctor for further advice and try to stop the development of the disease.
How to Detect Colon Cancer in its Early Phase?
it is important to note that early detection of the colon cancer contributes to successful prevention of its development.
The screening varies and can be performed in several ways. The best way is the testing fecal samples for the presence of blood, which is invisible to the eye. This is the first sign of colon cancer or polyp.
people between 50-74 are the most susceptible ones for colon cancer. That is the reason why they should make tests of hidden bleeding.
However, a positive test doesn’t mean that you have colon cancer. It is advised to do a colonoscopy in order to detect what lies behind the bleeding.
source:http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/