Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer symptoms are many though most of them are exclusive to this dreaded form of cancer. Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer especially for people who are over 50 years old, but it also occurs on patients who are way younger. It is a serious disorder which is usually the result of abnormal cell growth inside the colon. In fact, it is one of the most dangerous cancers around, and is responsible for the death of thousands of people each year.
This disease is feared by many people because colon cancer symptoms are usually difficult to identify. They are vague and unclear, and you may never know the difference even during the time you are diagnosed with colon cancer. However, as the cancer becomes more serious, colon cancer symptoms become more obvious. By this time though, it will be more difficult to cure because the tumor may have possibly gotten serious as well. This is the reason why it is very important for you to always be on the lookout for noticeable changes in your body, especially those that concern bowel movements. They following are the colon cancer symptoms:
Colon Cancer Symptom 1. Rectal Bleeding
This is the most common symptom of colon cancer. Since this cancer is connected to the bowel area, then changes in the bowel especially bleeding is one of the leading signs of colon cancer. Polyps grow in the colon, and when they grow large, they easily bleed especially when too much pressure is placed on them.
2. Colon Cancer Symptom 2. Stomach Ache
As the tumor becomes larger, it may cause to block some parts in the colon, which leads to stomach ache. This is because any blockage can prevent solid foods to go through the colon. In some cases, when the tumor has grown too large, the bowel wall breaks, which causes severe stomach pain. Some people who experience stomach pain more often than normal are advised to see the doctor and undergo medical tests. Any prolonged pain in the stomach can be a cause of colon cancer.
3. Colon Cancer Symptom 3. Abnormal Weight Loss
Weight loss can be an effect of abnormal bowel movement and abnormal bowel functions. Since the colon is affected, then absorption of nutrients may also be altered. More often though, the abnormal weight loss is caused by the chemicals excreted by the tumor that speeds up metabolism at a certain degree. Although weight loss can be associated to other diseases other than colon cancer, it is best to make sure by undergoing medical tests to ensure your safety.
4. Colon Cancer Symptom 4. Abnormal Bowel Movements
Even small colon tumors can result to a significant difference with regards to the bowel movement. If the tumor is large enough that blockage occurs, then constipation will occur because once the stool stays longer in the large intestine, the water will be absorbed in the intestinal walls.
5. Colon Cancer Symptom 5. Abdominal Pain
A tumor in the colon can also cause pain that is felt in the abdomen. It can also lead to cramping and other discomforts such as headache and nausea.
Heredity
You should know that colon cancer can be hereditary, so if your family has a history of the disease, you should be observant about the changes in your body. This is because people with a history of this disease are possibly more prone to developing the disease too. Also, if there have been more than one family member who were diagnosed with this disease, the risk is higher. If you suspect to have a tumor in the colon or you are experiencing more than one of the symptoms mentioned above, consider going to a doctor to have yourself medically examined.
Be Careful about the Diet and Screen Regularly
A person (especially someone with a family history of colon cancer) should avoid eating foods that are high in carbohydrates and fats as it may only worsen the condition. Consider eating foods that are rich in fiber as it may greatly help in lessening the risks of colon cancer. People over the age of 50 should be more conscious and should undergo regular screening to prevent the illness from becoming worse. Those who are younger should also be careful even when the tumor is at its early stage, or when they suspect to have a colon tumor.
Precautions
To make sure that colon cancer is out of the way, maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly. People who have been diagnosed with colon cancer should stop smoking and should live a healthy lifestyle. Doing these reduces the risk of the disease from becoming life threatening. Colon cancer, when not properly treated, can cause serious complications and worse, death.
You may please read this important guide, 'Gut-Check: Your Prime Source for Bowel Health and Colon Cancer Prevention' regarding how you can prevent colon cancer.
Colon Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages. Everything You Need to Know About Colon Cancer: This is another important book, a must read, that will give you a comprehensive understanding of Colon Cancer and Colon Cancer Symptoms and much more.
Colon & Rectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients & Families. 'This book will definitely help you give quality survival its best chance' Dr.Andrew J Brunskill
Natural Cancer Treatments-Alternative Cancer Treatment.This information could save your life . How over 2,000 people have successfully used the alternative cancer treatments you'll find revealed in this e-book.
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