Cancer is one of the diseases that are hard to control so it would be better if it could be detected at an early stage. One cancer, which progresses slowly, and unnoticeable is colon cancer. However, early findings and medication for this cancer type is very important. A good knowledge about the symptoms of colon cancer helps to avoid the fatality of the disease through earlier therapy.
Detecting colon cancer is not easy. This is the reason why doctors advice people over 50 years old to undergo colonoscopy. Though the results show negative signs for cancer, periodic examinations every after ten years also recommended. However, the same can not be applied when the result shows a possibility for cancer – even if the chance is small – the patient should undergo colonoscopy every two years.
One of the overlooked early symptoms of cancer which people should be aware of is excess gas. Feeling bloated and hardening in the stomach after eating, may be a sign of growing tumor growing within the system and blocking the pathway of the waste materials in the body. People may also suffer from constipation due to the obstruction, and this is going to lead to constant stomach or abdominal pains. Diarrhea and dehydration can also happen due to changes in bowel habits. If the bowel habits stays abnormal for more than two weeks, then this could already indicate a tumor forming in the colon. The said pain can be accompanied by swelling.
Having blood on stool may also indicate colon cancer. However, this symptom can also mean other health issues such as UTI or anal fissures. Blood in stools should not be overlooked because it often leads to more complex diseases if not consulted to a doctor immediately.
Another can also signify of the growing tumor in the colon. Anemia closely linked to cancer is hemorrhage or excessive bleeding. Hemorrhage can be a side effect of past or current medication but acquiring the disease suddenly means that it is time to have a visit to the doctor.
The person might also notice that he is losing weight even if he not active in the gym and has no effort in dieting. Lost appetite and nauseated feeling usually after a meal. These symptoms are just the same as to other less harmful diseases, but if they continue after 24 hours or past medication, it would be better get some extensive diagnosis.
Most of the time diagnoses for colon cancer include a stool test – both stool blood test and stool DNA test; Sigmoidoscopy – examination of the lower colon only; and Colonoscopy – examination of the complete colon. Among the test, colonoscopy is the most recommended diagnosis and the most accurate amongst the others. This method uses a thin tube that has a camera on one end. The tube placed inside the rectum, and the camera captures the internal appearance of the colon so that doctors can check for possible tumor growth and any other irregularities.