Could Your Bathroom Habits Signal Colon Cancer? 5 Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Colon cancer is one of the major cancers that kill individuals worldwide, representing a form of colorectal cancer. This is a cancer that starts in the colon but can spread into the rectum, and the incidence is on the rise to raise a serious health concern. Colon cancer often produces no symptoms in its early stages, but when it is detected, treatment can be incredibly effective, considering that it develops slowly.

The incidence of colorectal cancer in the young is increasingly becoming an issue, and knowledge of the symptoms and importance of screening for this disease is critical.

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance estimates that around 150,000 Americans are diagnosed annually. In response to this rise, medical professionals encourage people to recognize early warning signs and undergo regular preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, since they are "lifesavers" because they can detect the disease very early.

Uncommon Symptoms

The more people know about colon cancer, the more they must be aware of its symptoms, many of which can occur at any time and thus lead to a visit to a medical doctor for examination. A cancer specialist such as Dr. Waqqas Tai believes that "Even subtle changes in bowel habits or unexpected weight loss should not be brushed off lightly." He suggests a visit to a primary care physician if you've experienced any of the following symptoms:

Narrow stools may be indicative of a tumor in the colon, especially if the stool occurs near the bottom portion of the colon or in the lining itself. As Dr. Michael Cecchini, who is both a medical oncologist as well as co-director of the colorectal program at the Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers at Yale Cancer Center, noted, this symptom is "highly concerning." The stool will change shape because the forming obstruction from the tumor is obstructing the digestive pathway as it takes the form of a pencil.

Blood in the toilet is never good news and should not be ignored. Sometimes, rectal bleeding results from hemorrhoids or anal fissures, but at other times, this could be a symptom of colon cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, blood in the stool warrants immediate medical attention to determine its cause. General surgeon Dr. Terry Simpson comments, "It may be nothing, but it may be something, and it's not worth betting your life for."

Low red blood cell count or anemia has been said to be a potential symptom of colon cancer when it is triggered by a tumour hemorrhaging into the digestive tract. Actually, studies show that anemia develops in 30-75 percent of patients suffering from colorectal cancer.

According to Dr. Tai, "There's no healthy reason a man should be anemic." Low hemoglobin in women can also indicate an underlying issue or medical condition, like a deficit that ought to be explored through a colonoscopy, aside from heavy menstrual bleeding.

The classic gastrointestinal symptom is alternating between very severe constipation and diarrhea, but this could be a sign of a blockage or tumor in the colon when persistent. Experts tell patients that these symptoms should "raise red flags" for them to have a colonoscopy done to rule out cancerous growth.

These symptoms fall together under the banner of "B symptoms," which usually come with the diagnosis of cancer. According to Dr. Tai, if a patient experiences hot flashes at night, weight loss without any alteration in eating behavior, and periodic fever in the daytime, attention needs to be strictly paid. Such symptoms, in some instances, can be indicative of the late stage of the disease and need an immediate checkup.

The USPSTF suggests screening for colorectal cancer in adults aged 45 to 75 years. Those above and below this age range who are at increased risk should also be screened. Such individuals include those with a familial history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, or those who present with the symptoms discussed above.

Routine screening like colonoscopy helps identify the early stages of colon cancer potentially curable before it becomes uncontrollable.

Dr. Tai said colonoscopies are easy, painless procedures that may save your life if done before cancer progresses. Recently, he took to social media to beg people to please go visit their primary care physician and have a routine colonoscopy. One can prevent himself/herself from being a victim of this disease.

First of all, know the warning signs for colon cancer. Here are some important steps you can take:

1. Familiarize with symptoms: Pay attention to the following symptoms and seek appropriate medical advice if they are persistent: persistent changes in bowel habits, presence of blood in stools, unexplained weight loss, and unusual night sweats.

2. Routine Screening: The proper follow-through on screening guidelines for any individual who has an increased chance, like getting older and family history.

3. Healthy Lifestyle: Sound diet with lots of fiber, within healthy weight range, and exercise can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer further.

Colon cancer is a serious medical condition, with the incidence among young individuals on the rise. Early detection, coupled with regular screenings, reduces the risk of advanced stages. Detection in its early stage and treatment can ensure the problem of colon cancer is eradicated. The symptoms, therefore, can be lifesavers.