The Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Most health professionals will recommend that someone receive a periodical colon screening. By being screened early for colon cancer, this reduces having to go through long bouts of treatment for a cancer that has progressed. Early detection will increase the chance of cancer survival, and reduce the amount of deaths associated with colon cancer.
Colon cancer does not appear suddenly, so someone will experience symptoms of this disease a while before it is diagnosed. This is why it is important to carry out early screening on those with a high risk factor.
One of the main symptoms a person with colon cancer will experience is constipation. Constipation is described as a decrease in the normal amount of bowel movements – usually to less than 3 times a week. Some people will suffer from constipation if they do not receive enough exercise, or the diet is poor in nutrients. However, as a symptom of colon cancer, constipation can result from a blockage within the intestine, leading to narrowing of the lumen. As the stool is not able to get through the narrowed lumen, it is possible that it can become impacted resulting in blockage, and a medical emergency.
Another symptom someone would often notice, before they are diagnosed with colon cancer is the presence of thin stools. Not all cases of thin stools indicate colon cancer, but persistent thin stools can point out that there something within the bowel or intestine causing an obstruction leading to stools being as thin as pencils.
A third symptom that is associated with colon cancer is rectal bleeding. The presence of bright red blood from the rectum can indicate that the person might have colon cancer. However, bleeding from the rectum is not only associated with colon cancer, and is present in other conditions as well.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended going to visit your doctor or health care provider.
Tags: blood-in-stool, colon, Colon Cancer