Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in either the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It’s the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and it’s responsible for more than 50,000 deaths each year. It’s also highly treatable if detected early, making it very important for people to be aware of the symptoms and get screened when necessary.
Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer
One of the most common symptom of colon cancer is a change in bowel habits, such as having to go to the bathroom more often than usual or having a change in the consistency of one’s stool. Other signs to watch out for include abdominal discomfort, unexpected weight loss, rectal bleeding, or a feeling of weakness and fatigue.
A person may also experience anemia as a result of anemia. That’s because polyps or tumors can bleed slowly and cause a decrease in the production of red blood cells. If this happens, anemia may manifest itself with symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or pale skin.
It’s important to note that most of these symptoms don’t necessarily mean that a person has colon cancer. However, experiencing them should still be cause for concern, and a visit to a doctor is encouraged.
Testing for Colon Cancer
The only way to be sure about a diagnosis of colon cancer is to be tested. A doctor may suggest a variety of tests to diagnose this form of cancer, including a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, CT scan, and fecal occult blood test.
During a colonoscopy, a doctor will use a long, thin, light to view the entire length of the colon. It’s the most commonly used test to diagnose colon cancer. The sigmoidoscopy only views the lower part of the colon. A CT scan creates a 3-D image of the organs and can detect large polyps or tumors. Finally, the fecal occult blood test involves the doctor analyzing the patient’s stool for any traces of blood in it.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a serious condition, but it’s highly treatable when caught early. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, unexpected weight loss, rectal bleeding, anemia, or feelings of fatigue and weakness. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to get tested for colon cancer by talking to your doctor.