As the tragic loss of celebrities Kirstie Alley and Pelé reminds us, colon cancer is a deadly disease that can strike anyone. But there is hope: colon cancer can be beaten if caught early. However, the tricky part is that symptoms often don’t appear until the cancer is advanced. This article will uncover the signs to watch out for and give you knowledge that can save your life or that of a loved one.
Common Signs of Colon Cancer
- Unintentional weight loss
- Presence of blood and tissue in the stool
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Anemia and iron deficiency due to heavy rectal bleeding
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal mass
- Stomach pain
- Pain during the passing of the stool
- Thin stool
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Urge to empty yourself even if you’ve just used the bathroom
- Inability to have bowel movements
If you notice any of the above symptoms, please schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. That way, they can run tests and address the underlying cause of the problem. Please note that the initial symptoms of colon cancer may not be benign, so don’t ignore them.
Common treatment options for colon cancer include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Preventing Colon Cancer
Regular screening is recommended for individuals who are 45 years old and above. Detecting polyps early enough can be life-saving because they can be removed before they become cancerous. While the exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, you can reduce your chances of contracting the disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
