What are the early signs of colon cancer?

Colon cancer is one of those conditions you may never know you have until its symptoms are full blown. Most people just choose to ignore the risk of colon cancer because, apparently, they are too young to develop it. Well, according to a recent study, people in their 20s and 30s are almost as likely to develop colorectal cancer as their counterparts 40 years and older – a trend that has been attributed to the general rise in the obesity epidemic.

Fortunately, cancer in your intestines can be successfully removed and your health restored if you are diagnosed in time. Consider seeing a cancer doctor for testing if you have any of the following symptoms:

Blood in stool

Blood in stool is among the earliest signs of colon cancer. Inform your doctor if you see blood in your stool or on the toilet paper. It can be a frequent or intermittent sight, so don’t assume you are okay if you don’t see it again for several days to a few weeks.

Anemia

You are likely to lose blood gradually as the tumor in your colon or rectum bleeds. Patients may not realize they are losing blood and iron, but blood tests may reveal a lack of enough red blood cells.

Abdominal pain

Tumors could cause blockages and injuries in the colon, leading to unusual pain in the abdominal area. Your doctor will examine the type of pain you are experiencing to determine if colon cancer is behind it.

Change in stool caliber

Narrow stool could be a sign of a tumor in the colon or rectum. Other changes in a bowel movement to watch out for include constipation and recurrent diarrhea.

Get screened today

Screening for colon cancer should begin at 50. However, if you experience any of the above signs or have risk factors such as a family history of cancer, consider getting checked regardless of your age. Contact El Paso Bariatric Surgery today for a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and treatment.