Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in the world. It starts in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. This part of the digestive system helps the body absorb water and get rid of waste.
Like many cancers, colon cancer often begins quietly. You might not notice any signs at first. But if it’s caught early, treatment usually works better, and the chances of survival are much higher.
In the early stages, many people with colon cancer don’t feel sick at all. That’s why regular screening is important. Doctors recommend that people over 45, or those with a family history of colon cancer, get tested even if they feel fine.
Still, there are some warning signs you can watch for.
One common early sign is a change in your bathroom habits that lasts for more than a few days. This can include diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that your bowel isn’t emptying fully. These issues can also happen because of diet or stress, but if they don’t go away, you should see a doctor.
Another early sign is blood in your stool. The blood can be bright red or dark. Sometimes, it makes the stool look black. In some cases, the blood is too small to see and can only be found through tests. Any bleeding in your digestive system should be taken seriously.
Losing weight without trying can also be a warning. If the pounds are coming off and you don’t know why—and you also have other digestive problems—it’s time to talk to a doctor. Cancer can change how your body uses energy and absorbs food.
Feeling tired all the time is another symptom. Colon cancer can cause slow bleeding that leads to a lack of red blood cells. This condition, called anemia, can make you feel weak, dizzy, or short of breath.
Some people also get belly pain, cramps, or bloating. These might come and go or get worse over time. If you feel full even after eating a small amount, it could be a sign that something isn’t right.
Research shows that these signs often show up before a cancer diagnosis. A study in the journal BMJ Open found that many people with early colon cancer had symptoms like rectal bleeding and changes in bathroom habits months before they were diagnosed.
Another study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology showed that people often delay going to the doctor, even when they have these symptoms. Waiting too long can lead to the cancer being found at a later stage, when it’s harder to treat.
The good news is that colon cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Tests like stool checks, colonoscopies, and sigmoidoscopies can find small growths called polyps before they become cancer. Removing polyps early can stop cancer from starting.
If you or someone you know has any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them. It might turn out to be nothing serious—but if it is colon cancer, finding it early could save your life.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that artificial sweeteners are linked to higher cancer risk, and how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and results showing vitamin D supplements strongly reduces cancer death.
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