13 Early warning Signs of Colon Cancer To Not Ignore

Early warning Signs of Colon Cancer: If you haven’t had a colonoscopy, make an appointment immediately. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer, is the third-most prevalent cancer in both men and women. Also, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Even though 50 years or older account for 90 percent of colorectal cancer diagnoses, experts observe an alarming increase in cases among those between 20 and 49. So how can you protect yourself? Like all cancers, It is best to detect and treat colon cancer early.

So let’s talk about 13 early warning signs of colon cancer to not ignore at all costs.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexpected weight loss is not just a sign of colon cancer but other cancers as well. It is something to worry about if you unintentionally drop more than ten pounds over a few months. Colon cancer can cause unexplained weight loss in different ways. It might be because cancer cells use more of the body’s energy.

The immune system also puts in a lot of effort to fight cancer cells. Sometimes cancer grows to the point where it entirely or partially obstructs the bowel. Whatever the case, all situations can be risky and put you at risk for malnutrition and muscle mass loss.

2. Abdominal Cramps Is Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer

Some people with colon cancer may not develop abdominal pain or cramping until the disease is in its advanced stages, depending on the tumor’s location and other factors. However, it could be early signs of colon cancer for others.

You can experience persistent abdomen pain and cramps that get worse and stick around even after a bowel movement. Remember that besides cancer, non-cancerous illnesses like hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome can cause abdominal pain. However, you should see a doctor if your abdomen pain has recently started, is severe, and is unrelated to some condition.

3. Fatigue And Weakness

Do not confuse tiredness with fatigue. A good night’s sleep can help you feel better if you are tired, but fatigue is an entirely different issue. Yes, you may feel tired if you are fatigued, but it is weak and worn out. You lose all of your energy which also makes you lazy and slow.

Even the most straightforward task feels challenging, like getting out of bed. It can be due to the stress of bowel symptoms or the use of extra energy by cancer cells. Speak with your doctor if you are feeling weak and exhausted to find out what is causing it and whether it could be related to colon cancer or another serious issue.

4. Blood in The Stool is Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer

It can be frightening to notice blood in the stool or wiping after a bowel movement. In some cases, this blood may be a bright red color and is very noticeable. It may appear on its own, or you might only notice it with bowel movements.

In others, stool may become darker due to blood from colon cancer. Also, bleeding can be so mild that you never even notice it. Hemorrhoids may also result in rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoid patients typically report symptoms that come and go with flare-ups, whereas cancer-related rectal bleeding typically persists or worsens and is more likely to be accompanied by pain.

5. Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems and is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Tumors can compress, squeeze, or constrict the intestine, making it challenging to pass stools. Constipation can also result from a tumor in the lining that interferes with the nerve supply to the muscles. But having constipation does not necessarily indicate that it is Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer.

Constipation can also result from a change in your diet, poor eating habits, stress, dehydration, or a lack of exercise. The doctor recommends that if you experience constipation for longer than two weeks, you should go for a checkup to determine the cause. Along with constipation, you could experience frequent urges to go but never feel like you have completely cleared your bowels.

6. Vomiting is Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer

As colon cancer progresses, it may cause intestinal blockage and obstruct the flow of solid, liquid, or gaseous waste, which results in vomiting and nausea. If you have vomited for more than 24 hours and not tolerating any fluids, it is essential to get medical attention immediately. This can happen at any cancer stage but is more common in advanced cases. It is vital to remember that nausea and vomiting without any other Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer do not necessarily mean cancer is present.

7. Diarrhea

Any changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, can be a sign of colon cancer. Either a secretory process where the tumor releases fluid or a partial obstruction and overflow around the tumor can cause diarrhea. Or it could be just because of intolerance to specific foods, medication, stress, or bacterial exposure. It is common to experience at least a mild case of diarrhea several times a year. The condition will typically go away in two to three days. Your doctor needs to examine diarrhea that persists for longer than three days.

8. Bloating

Cancer in the colon will cause excessive bloating as well as gas. This will also confuse you, as bloating is commonly a symptom of minor conditions like dietary triggers for carbonated beverages, dairy products, high-fiber foods, and digestive disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, are common culprits.

Go for a medical checkup if it feels consistent, doesn’t come and go, and can not be explained by occasionally consuming foods that cause gas. Gas and bloating are often late indications of colon cancer brought on by an obstruction from a tumor in the colon. Bloating could also happen if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

9. Anemia

Anemia or a low hemoglobin count could indicate colon cancer. Colon tumors are typically the cause of blood loss through stools. But if you don’t watch out for blood, you won’t even know it is happening. There is, however, another way to figure out if you are losing blood. When you bleed from a colon tumor, you lose a lot of blood, and the blood loss can build up and lead to low red blood cell counts or anemia. A routine blood test can show if you have anemia. Some medications, chronic renal disease, and inflammatory diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and bone marrow disorders, can also bring on anemia.

10. Mouth Ulcers

Not all signs of colon cancer are related to your intestinal region. You can also find visible symptoms in your mouth. While people normally associate ulcers with sores that develop in the stomach or intestine, mouth ulcers come from canker sores. They are small but painful and often found on the lips and gums. They are common, rarely serious, and usually go away on their own in a week or two. However, if they persist for more than three weeks or keep returning, they could be a sign of something big, including colon cancer.

11. Loss of appetite Is Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer

If you have colon cancer, you will not feel hungry, which could add to your weight loss. Loss of appetite is familiar with any cancer. But with colon cancer, your colons’ inability to break down essential nutrients will result in less of a need to eat. Cancer can also affect the way your food tastes. This will only discourage you from eating further. Also, because of your fatigue, you won’t be much active.

Not doing any physical activity results in less use of energy. As a result, you will not feel as hungry as those out and about. Signs of decreased appetite include having little to no interest in food, not eating your favorite foods, and missing meals. The thought of eating food may make you may feel nauseous as if you might vomit after eating.

12. Shortness of Breath

Once cancer starts to drain the body’s energy and fatigue sets in, people often experience related symptoms, such as shortness of breath. As the disease progresses, cancer cells break away from the tumor in the colon and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

On a separate organ, these cells may settle and develop new cancers. If the colon cancer has spread to the lungs, breathlessness, coughing, or chest pain may occur. Even something as simple as laughing or walking a short distance could soon make you dizzy. But remember that other factors could also contribute to shortness of breath, such as asthma, a chest infection, being overweight, and smoking.

13. Yellow Eyes And Skin

Jaundice, a disease in which the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellowish, is another potential complication of colon cancer. It occurs when colon cancer travels toward the liver, a common site of metastasis, and impairs the function of the liver by blocking a bile duct. It can also happen because colon cancer is pressing against vital liver tissues. If cancer has spread to your liver, there are other symptoms to look out for, like swollen abdomen, itchy skin, and pain on the right side of your abdomen.

Bottom Line

Never forget to consider any of these or other colon cancer symptoms. As soon as possible, schedule a visit to your doctor for testing to rule out cancer. Also, if you are over 45 or have a family history of colon cancer, do not wait for symptoms to appear and schedule screenings as recommended by your physician. The survival rate for colon cancer is about 90 percent when it is detected early by medical professionals. Those who receive a diagnosis at a later stage have worse survival rates. Healthy lifestyle choices like physical activity and less alcohol and tobacco consumption could also help you reduce the risk.