Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
First lets find out what bowel or colon cancer is. It is also called colorectal cancer and can start in the rectum or the colon. Together they make up the large intestine, which is the final portion our digestive tract. Like any cancer, colon cancer occurs when an abnormal cell starts to grow and then divides without any rhyme or reason and becomes a mass, then called a malignant tumor. The cells from this mass can get into the bloodstream or in the lymphatic system spreading to other organs and tissue.
What are they symptoms of Bowel Cancer?
At first there aren't any noticeable symptoms before there is a diagnosis. But when it is detected early through a colonoscopy, it is often very treatable. There are other screening tests that can be done such as a digital rectal exam, a fecal occult blood test, barium enema and a sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. These tests allow the doctors to look for signs that may signify colon cancer.
If the cancer advances before it has been detected, these symptoms of bowel cancer may occur:
- A change in normal bowel habits
- Constipation or diarrhea, feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Bright red or very dark blood in the stool
- Stools that are narrower or darker than usual
- Pain in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and/or pallor (anemia)
If you are concerned that you may be experience symptoms of bowel cancer or are thinking of having the pre-screen testing done, you can contact your primary care physician. This screening is recommended for anyone over the age of 50, but with your doctor, you can review your family's history and decide if you should be checked sooner and how often you should be checked.
If the tests show that you have colon cancer, you will more than likely be referred to a gastroenterologists for more evaluations and diagnosis, as well as a medical oncologist who specializes in treating cancer, and a surgeon if the cancer is diagnosed.
We cannot always rely on symptoms of bowel cancer to warn us of cancer, we need to take the necessary precautions much earlier to catch it before it takes over. Get your colonoscopy, at least for your peace of mind and the rest of your family.
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