6 Warning Signs of Colon Cancer
(tense gentle music) – Colon cancer is
one of the most common cancers in people of all genders
and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths
in the United States. Nearly everyone is born with a colon, which along with your rectum,
makes up the large intestine. Colon cancer happens when the
cells that line the colon, a key part of the digestive system, become abnormal and grow out of control. Most colorectal cancers begin as small pre-cancerous polyps or growth. These polyps usually grow slowly and don't cause symptoms
unless they become large or cancerous, which allows for detection and removal of the polyps
before cancer can develop. Colon cancer can sometimes be
present without any symptoms but tell your doctor if you
experience any of the signs that could indicate colon cancer. The most common signs include
a change in bowel habits, including constipation,
diarrhea, and incontinence. These are usually symptoms of
other less serious problems but they can also be
symptoms of colon cancer.
Blood in your stool can also be associated with colon cancer. Other health problems can cause bleeding in the digestive tract, but if you start to experience bloody
stool, see your doctor to rule out a serious condition. Another sign of colon cancer
is unexplained anemia, a shortage of the cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. If you are anemic, you may
find that you're tired, sluggish, and short of breath and that rest doesn't help. Other possible signs of
colon cancer include; abdominal or pelvic pain or bloating, unexplained weight loss, and vomiting.
Because colon cancer can grow slowly, you may not experience any
symptoms of the disease which is why it's so important
to have regular screenings to catch problems before they arise. The most common screening
evaluation is a colonoscopy, a short procedure to
examine your large bowel, but there are other ways too, including blood tests,
DNA stool tests, and more. Your risk of colorectal
cancer rises as you age, so you should start
being screened at age 45. If you have a family history
of colon and rectal cancers, talk to your doctor about
getting screened sooner. Other risk factors include
having Black ancestry, living a sedentary lifestyle, consuming high quantities of alcohol, eating a high-fat,
low-fiber diet, smoking, obesity and a history of
inflammatory bowel disease or diabetes. The reality though is that
anyone can get colon cancer regardless of their risk
factors or family history.
But with prompt treatment,
the outlook is hopeful for people with colorectal cancer. Colon cancer can be deadly, but data shows that early
screenings are saving lives by detecting colon cancer
earlier than ever before. So know the signs, stay
vigilant, and get screened, your health is in your hands. (gentle music).