Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, after breast cancer and prostate cancer. However, unlike breast and prostate cancer, which can be detected early with a simple physical exam, colorectal cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage when it has already spread to other parts of the body. This is where a colonoscopy comes in!
What is colon cancer?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the symptoms and signs of colon cancer can vary from person to person. However, some key indicators that may suggest you have colon cancer include the following:
1. A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation;
2. Persistent stomach pain;
3. bloody diarrhea or constipation;
4. A persistent change in your bowel movements, such as more than two per week;
5. Swelling or lumps in your abdomen;
6. Nausea or vomiting; and/or
7. Difficulty breathing.
The Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer
The Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer
How to Check for Colon Cancer
There is no single method for detecting colon cancer with certainty, but there are several ways to screen for the disease.
Methods that can be used include:
-A physical exam to look for any signs of the disease, including changes in bowel habits, an enlarged abdomen, or a lump in the rectum or large intestine.
-A blood test to check for the presence of markers associated with colon cancer.
-A stool test to look for the presence of occult blood and feces (the products of digestion).
What to Do If You Find Yourself With Colon Cancer
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible:)
-Pain or cramping in the side or abdomen near the rectum or anus
-A change in bowel habits (for example, more frequent or less frequent diarrhea or constipation)
-An increase in the size, shape, or number of polyps
-Blood in the stool
-Cramps that occur during sex