Colon cancer symptoms include bloody stools, unexplained weight loss and feeling full, constipation, lethargy, and digestive problems. Early detection increases chances of recovery. Consult a doctor immediately if symptoms occur.
Colon cancer is a serious condition that can lead to decreased quality of life and even death. One of the ways you can detect colon cancer early is to be aware of the common symptoms of colon cancer. In this way, it is possible to seek the appropriate health care while the cancer is in its early stages, thus greatly increasing the chances of recovery.
One of the most common symptoms of colon cancer is the presence of bloody stools. This is because tumors that form in the colon have a tendency to bleed. Although the amount of blood released with this type of cancer is not prolific, it is usually enough to color stools and show up in waste. When the tumor is well inside the colon, the blood may appear almost black. However, if the tumor is growing at the end of the colon, there’s a good chance it’s giving the waste a bright red appearance.
Two colon cancer symptoms that sometimes go hand-in-hand are unexplained weight loss accompanied by a sense of constantly being full. While these two colon cancer symptoms don’t have to be present at the same time, they often tend to appear in combination with each other. If the individual has not made any recent changes in dietary habits or increased their level of physical activity, weight loss could be a sign that the cancer is depleting the body’s resources. The presence of the tumor in the colon causes feelings of fullness, which over time will discourage the individual from eating enough food to nourish the body. When that happens, your weight loss will continue to accelerate.
Constipation is also another of the most common symptoms of colon cancer. Defined as the inability to defecate at least three times a week, constipation can be a sign that a tumor is growing near the end of the colon, preventing waste products from passing properly through the system. Since constipation is caused by a blockage, taking over-the-counter products will do almost nothing to help with the condition.
A general sense of apathy or lethargy is often included in colon cancer symptoms. When the individual begins to lack energy to perform even routine tasks and shows no interest in going out and engaging in activities that used to be highly desirable, this change in behavior may be due to the presence of tumors in the colon. This is especially true if the individual hasn’t recently experienced a life crisis such as job loss or relationship breakup. When there seems to be no other cause for the apathy and lethargy, colon cancer may be the root of the problem.
Various digestion problems and stomach ailments are also symptoms of colon cancer. Constantly feeling nauseous for no apparent reason, especially when accompanied by regurgitation, can indicate the development of colon cancer. Similarly, having constant gas or feeling bloated even when not consuming food for several hours may be due to the presence of a tumor.
While all colon cancer symptoms are also common symptoms with other health problems, none of these symptoms should be taken lightly. Consult a doctor immediately after the onset of symptoms. In case colon cancer is present, the chances of a cure are much better if the cancer is diagnosed in the early stages.
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