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8 early signs of colon cancer

Cancer develops due to the rapid mutation of cells. The condition is typically progressive in nature, and factors like age, lifestyle, and location of the tumor determine the spread and severity of symptoms. When such abnormal cell growth develops in the colon—a part of the large intestine, it can cause gastrointestinal problems and other health issues. Here, understanding the common signs of colon cancer can help get an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Early signs
The colon and rectum are two organs connected to the digestive tract. While the colon collects and stores all the foods processed by the small and large intestines, the rectum removes these stored foods through bowel movements. Both parts must function together to enable seamless bowel movement. However, when dealing with cancer, the growth of the tumor affects the key functions of these organs, leading to the following early signs:

Nausea and vomiting
Most conditions that develop in the digestive tract trigger nausea and vomiting. So, this type of discomfort is one of the early signs of colon cancer as well. As cancer grows, it can result in blockage in the bowels, forcing the solids and liquids to back up into the digestive tract, triggering nausea and vomiting that could last over 24 hours. It is important to get these symptoms checked to confirm the presence of cancerous growth.

Bloating and abdominal pain
Any persistent discomfort that develops in the abdominal region could indicate an underlying health issue. When it comes to colon cancer, common types of discomfort one may experience are pain in the abdomen, swelling in the organs, and persistent bloating due to the accumulation of gas. In addition, one might experience cramps and chronic pain around the colon. In rare cases, pain in the pelvic region may be observed if cancerous cells continue to spread and affect organs in the vicinity.

Changes in bowel movements and habits
Changes in the frequency or consistency of stool are indicative of digestive disorders. All waste materials need to move through the small and large intestines before reaching the end of the colon to be excreted. However, tumor growth can create block the passage of waste material leading to changes in bowel movements. An extremely thin stool or the need to strain excessively during bowel movements could indicate a blockage due to cancerous growths. Loose stools, severe diarrhea, or even constipation are also signs of colon cancer one may observe.

Loss of appetite
Most crucial bodily functions rely on proper digestion. While cancer develops in the colon, due to the progressive nature of the illness, the cancer can spread to other organs in the digestive tract. As a result, illnesses like colon cancer trigger problems with digestion and also cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This can lead to a loss of appetite.

Fatigue and weakness
Fatigue is a common symptom of cancer that is often confused with general tiredness. However, the weakness and tiredness one experiences after exertion are different from the fatigue that develops as a result of an illness. Colorectal cancer is a progressive disorder, i.e., the abnormal cells will spread from one region to another with each advancing stage if left unchecked. As it grows, the body may experience internal blood loss. This may lead to low circulation affecting the body’s ability to fight symptoms and diseases. If one experiences a constant state of exhaustion despite leading a normal routine, it could be a sign of cancer. Additionally, due to low appetite associated with colon cancer, if the body is not taking in enough calories and carbohydrates to sustain daily functions, one may have even lower energy levels and feel tired often.

Rectal bleeding
One of the major early signs of colon cancer is bleeding from the rectum. Excessive blood can change the color of the stool, making it look much darker. So, if one observes dark red, purplish, or dark brown stool, it could be a sign of blood discharge mixing with the waste in the rectum. This symptom can be confused as a sign of hemorrhoids; however, there is a difference in color and intensity of bleeding associated with colon cancer. Here, only a colonoscopy can confirm the presence of tissue damage and cancerous growth in the rectum. Either way, this sign should not be ignored.

Anemia
Anemia is brought on by the deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. The cells are tasked with the important function of carrying freshly oxygenated blood pumped by the heart to all the organs of the body. Colon cancer can cause blood loss if the tumor begins to grow and damage healthy cells in the vicinity. As a result, there could be a shortage of RBCs in circulation. Further, internal bleeding or excessive bleeding through the colon associated with cancer significantly increases the risk of anemia, which can cause another set of symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and increased heart rate due to poor blood circulation. Women may develop irregular periods and experience other menstruation-related issues if anemia worsens.

Tenesmus
Colon cancer not only affects bowel movements but also the urge one feels to pass stool. This symptom is called tenesmus, where one experiences frequent urges to pass stool even when their bowels are empty. One may also feel that the bowel has not emptied all the way when it has. Cancerous cells in the colon can obstruct bowel movements and, as a result, trigger this sensation. The severity of this symptom depends on the progression of the cancer.

If one notices one or more early signs of colon cancer, they should consult a doctor as soon as possible. An early diagnosis can help doctors come up with an appropriate treatment plan sooner to stop or slow down the progression of the disease.

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