Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. The disease is most curable during its early stages. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the early symptoms of this horrible disease.
Here are warning signs that you’re getting colon cancer or at risk for it.
Presence of Blood in Stool
This is one of the early symptoms of colon cancer, and one should never ignore it. If you notice any blood in your stool, it could indicate that your rectum or colon is bleeding. It might be hemorrhoid, but it’s best to go for a colonoscopy to determine the source of blood.
Thin Stools and Tiredness
Passing thin stools could indicate the development of a cancerous tumor. It might be accompanied by cramping, bloating, and gas pain. The patient might also suffer from constant fatigue because cancerous cells rapidly grow and require a lot of energy compared to normal cells. This also explains why the patient might experience weight loss because the cancerous cells might opt for stored fat as an alternative energy source.
Prolonged Vomiting and Nausea
A tumor might obstruct the bowel, making it hard for liquids, gasses, and solid waste to pass. As a result, the patient might experience nausea or vomiting lasting more than 24 hours. This obstruction might be accompanied by cramping, bloating, and pain in the abdominal area.
Family History
If some of your family members have been diagnosed with the disease, it’s best to have regular screenings with a gastroenterologist to see if your colon is healthy. Your survival rate is high if cancerous tumors are detected and removed early.
How to Prevent Colon Cancer
The best way to prevent colon cancer is through regular screening. Cancer usually starts as tiny tumors called polyps. These tumors are easy to remove during their early stages, and that’s why colon cancer boasts one of the highest survival rates.
