More than 135,000 U.S. citizens are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year, making it the third most frequent cancer in both men and women. However, colorectal cancer, often known as colon and rectal cancer, is one of the most curable cancers if caught early. Therefore, recognizing and identifying the early signs of colorectal cancer is vital to one’s health. Continue reading to discover the common signs and symptoms of Astoria colon and rectal cancer, so you can recognize when to consult a specialist.
Fatigue
Fatigue is the most prevalent and least conclusive symptom related to colon cancer. Often, fatigue develops whenever the tumors or polyps bleed into your digestive tract, culminating in iron loss with time and potentially iron deficiency anemia. Individuals with iron-deficient anemia experience fatigue and shortness of breath as a direct side effect.
If you are getting weary more frequently (particularly if this is a new symptom), see your doctor for a blood test. It might be an early warning sign if the outcome reveals a reduced blood cell count. As such, it might lead your specialist to request a comprehensive colon cancer screening.
Rectal Bleeding or Bloody Stool
Numerous concerns, including hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and anal tears, are just a few disorders that can prompt intestinal bleeding; hence, blood in the stool. If your stool is dark crimson or black, you have this problem. Nonetheless, the bloody stool is a sign that warrants examination irrespective of the reason.
Bear in mind, though, that some iron supplements and veggies (like beets) may darken stool color. Therefore, a short review of your diet will assist you in deciding if you should schedule a checkup or another scan.
Change In Your Bowel Habits
Whether diarrhea, narrowing of the stool, or constipation, a drastic change in bowel habits can potentially be a symptom of colon cancer because the tumors and polyps could disturb the colon. Ensure you do not dismiss or overlook a change in bowel habits, particularly if these changes continue for several days. Ensure you contact your doctor to discuss these changes and other concerns you might have.
Stomach Ache
As with most colon cancer symptoms, persons often miscue stomach aches or bloating for other health concerns like indigestion or IBS. However, one stomach ache is both sudden and intense and does not subside; it could be an early symptom of colon cancer. Keep a watch on symptoms such as bloating, cramps, and other stomach aches and pains.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss that occurs suddenly and without warning is a typical symptom of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. Cancer patients lose weight because cancer cells use the body’s energy, whereas the immune system attempts to utilize any remaining energy to combat cancer cells.
Cancer cells could also disrupt the body’s metabolism since the cells demand nutrition and energy to multiply and grow. Patients with colorectal cancer may lose even more weight due to this. In addition, polyps in the colon can induce chronic diarrhea, which can cause weight loss.
It is typical to encounter the symptoms mentioned above from time to time, but if you observe a consistent shift that lasts longer than several weeks, it is time to consult a specialist. Based on your condition, your specialist may order blood tests, a colonoscopy, or other tests to rule out colorectal cancer. Nonetheless, if you are at high risk of developing this condition, you should arrange colon cancer screenings as directed by your doctor. Call the office of Surgical Specialists of NY near you or request an appointment online to get started.
