Symptoms of Colon Cancer
New statistics are coming out every year showing an ever increasing amount of people being diagnosed with colon cancer each year. The scary thing about colon cancer is that it can be growing inside of you for years before you even have any symptoms. This is why it is important to know the signs of colon cancer so that you can recognize it as quickly as possible and seek treatment.
Some of the signs of colon cancer can easily be mistaken for regular stomach ailments. One of these ailments are stomach cramps. A possible growth in your colon can block your normal body functions from happening. As a result gas and waste cannot pass through your colon causing a build up in pressure. This pressure can result in painful stomach cramps.
Another sign of colon cancer is constipation. Constipation is marked by having less than four bowel movements a week. At any point in your life you could experience constipation because of your eating habits, but having a tumor within your colon can make those bowel movements even more difficult. If you have tried different diets and eating habits and are still experiencing stomach cramps, you may want to get them checked out.
Bloody stool, or more scientifically known as Hematochezia, is also a possible sign of colon cancer. As a tumor grows it can cause a certain amount of bleeding. Where the tumor is located within the colon will determine how prominent the blood is within the stool. When the tumor first starts growing you may not see any blood in your stool at all since most of it will have dried before exiting your body. However, as the tumor grows, so will the frequency it bleeds leading to the prominent presence of blood within your stool.
An additional symptom of colon cancer is an overwhelming urge to have to use the bathroom, even if there is no waste still inside of you. This is especially prominent when the growth is located near the end of the colon. Your body can mistake the tumor as a stubborn piece of waste and so will send signals to your brain that you still need to go to the bathroom, even though there is nothing to expel.
Lack of energy and a feeling of sluggishness can also be a symptom of colon cancer. Tumors usually will bleed, and with the loss of blood can also come the loss of iron. Subsequently, your body needs iron to be able to transport oxygen throughout the bodies to its various systems. Without oxygen your body slowly wears down causing a feeling of lethargy.
The thinning of your stool can also be a symptom of this cancer. As your waste tries to exit your colon, a tumor can squeeze the waste into thin strips. Thin stool can be caused by any blockage within the colon, but is more common with a growth or tumor.
Another warning sign to watch for is an unexplained loss of weight. Most times you are probably going to be excited to lose a few pounds. However, if you are not doing anything that would cause weight loss, you may want to go in and get a check up. This is especially important if you lose a dramatic amount of weight within a short amount of time. Not only can this be a sign of colon cancer, but it can also be a sign of a host of other disorders.
Other symptoms of colon cancer can include, gas, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Your colon is an important system in your body, so even little abnormalities within it can cause problems. If you experience any of these symptoms for a shot period of time you may not have to worry about it too much. If these symptoms, especially the nausea and vomiting, continue for more than a week, then you will want to see your primary care provider.
Colon cancer can be a scary scenario to think about. However, if you are aware of your body and are vigilant to check out any symptoms that may seem peculiar, you may be able to catch it in time. The sooner you catch colon cancer the better chances you will have to fight it.
