Four Warning Signs of Colon Cancer You Should Never Ignore

🚩Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency, can be a warning sign of colon cancer.

💉The passage of blood in the stool, either fresh blood or partially digested blood, may indicate the presence of colon cancer. Hematochezia and melena are the medical terms used to describe these symptoms.

🤕Abdominal pain and distension can occur with tumors at any site in the colon. They can be caused by a partial blockage from the tumor, rupture in the colon wall, or the tumor affecting the peritoneum.

🩸Unexplained iron deficiency anemia can be a result of blood loss in the stool. It is more common with right-sided colorectal cancers.

📈Age, lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, and diet (particularly processed meats) are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

What are the warning signs of colon cancer?

—The warning signs of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits, the passage of blood in the stool, abdominal pain or distension, and unexplained iron deficiency anemia.

What should I do if I notice these symptoms?

—If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

Is colon cancer more common in older individuals?

—Yes, age is a major risk factor for colon cancer. However, there is an increasing prevalence of colon cancer in younger individuals, which may be associated with lifestyle factors.

Can diet affect the risk of colon cancer?

—Yes, certain dietary factors, such as consuming processed meats and high-sugar foods, have been associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. It is recommended to maintain a balanced and unprocessed diet.

How can colon cancer be detected?

—Colon cancer can be detected through routine screening tests, such as colonoscopy, which allows for the visualization and removal of precancerous polyps. Fecal occult blood tests can also be used to detect blood in the stool.

00:00Colon cancer can be detected through routine screening tests, such as colonoscopy.

00:28Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency, can be a warning sign of colon cancer.

01:23The passage of blood in the stool, either fresh blood or partially digested blood, may indicate the presence of colon cancer.

01:48Abdominal pain and distension can occur with tumors at any site in the colon.

02:22Unexplained iron deficiency anemia can be a result of blood loss in the stool.

03:01Certain lifestyle factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, and diet (particularly processed meats), are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

03:29Age is a major risk factor for colon cancer, but there is an increasing prevalence in younger individuals.

04:58Maintaining a balanced and unprocessed diet is recommended to reduce the risk of colon cancer.