Signs of Colon Cancer

Signs of colon cancer-Introduction

Signs of colon cancer appear as innocuous little problems at first so much so that they are dismissed as just abberations in daily health. Colon cancer is diagnosed to thousands of Americans each year, making it one of the most common causes of death in America alone. In fact, 15,000 cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year. This is a type of cancer that develops due to the uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum. Most colon cancers are found in the rectum, while the rest are found in all other parts of the colon.

Common signs of colon cancer are related to digestive disorders. They may seem completely harmless but you’ll never know what are triggering them. This is the reason why you should have yourself checked as early as possible if you are experiencing the signs of colon cancer. Some of the signs of colon cancer are constipation, diarrhea, anemia, bloating, thin stools, and pain and cramping in the stomach or abdomen.

• Rectal Bleeding

There are many instances when signs of colon cancer are not noticed even after a tumor in the colon has developed. You should also remember that signs of colon cancer vary according to where the tumor has developed and the age of the patient, among many other factors. For instance, if the tumor is growing at the right side of the colon and is becoming large, you may experience pain at the right side of your abdomen. Another sign is bleeding in the rectum, which can lead to anemia. A blockage anywhere in the intestine can cause the bleeding, too. The bleeding can go from mild to severe, depending on how large the tumor is.

• Changes in the bowel habits

This is not at all times connected to colon cancer, however, there is always a chance. If the normal bowel movement does not go back within 3 to 4 weeks, you should consider going to a doctor. This is because a lost bowel movement should not last this long and usually goes back to normal after a day or so.

• Pain in the rectum or in the abdomen

Pain is in the rectum or colon may be due to a tumor developing in these areas. The pain can be due to the growing tumor which has already caused pressure to other structures or organs. When the area where is tumor is located is pressed, pain can be felt.

• Unexplained decrease in weight

Abnormalities in the colon can cause the digestive tract not to function well, which may lead to a decrease in weight. Another explanation for this is that tumors usually have their own life, which means that they need a supply of energy and blood for them to grow. Like you, they also release their own waste products. They release certain chemicals that tend to trigger the metabolism. This is the reason why a person with colon cancer can have a sudden and unexplained weight loss.

How Does Colon Cancer Develop?

Usually, colon cancer affects people who are not very health conscious or whose intake of food are not controlled, those whose regular diet do not consist of enough fiber, those whose diets are not chosen well, or those who suppress the need to empty the bowel when they have to. Contrary to people’s belief, simple habits like these can cause life-threatening diseases such as colon cancer later in their lives. Other factors include age and heredity.

The colon cancer begins with a small lump of cells or polyp. This grows in the inner part of the intestinal tracts or in the lining or wall of the colon. When not treated and monitored, they become life-threatening cancer cells. They grow and complicate other pats of the colon, making it difficult for a person to have a normal bowel movement. Like other types of cancer, colon cancer can spread to other areas of the body, especially to the liver.

It is always important to know the signs of colon cancer in order to prevent the tumors from becoming malignant. As a general rule when it comes to cancers, it is always best to treat the condition in its early stages because it can still be treated and cured. However, if treatment starts during the advanced stage, it is already difficult to cure and there is a big possibility of the cancer cells spreading to other vital organs of the body.