Things You Need to Know About Colon Cancer

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the large intestine and is characterized by malignant tumors. The colon, which is also referred to as the large intestine, is where the body absorbs water and salt from solid waste. The waste then exits the body via the anus through the rectum.

Colon cancer is more common in older people, but it can strike anyone at any age. It typically starts as polyps, which are tiny, noncancerous or benign clumps of cells that grow inside the colon. Any of these polyps can develop into colon cancer in the long run.

Small polyps can cause a few symptoms. As a result, physicians advise routine colon cancer screening tests to help avoid colon cancer by detecting and eliminating polyps before they become cancerous.

1. Irregular Bowel Movements

   Irregular bowel movements may be a symptom of a variety of problems. However, symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, oddly shaped or bloody stool, and other irregularities may be due to colon cancer.Polyps in the colon obstruct the passage of food waste, making it much harder to flush out, resulting in constipation. In contrast, with diarrhea, polyps or tumors in the colon may hinder it from properly processing waste, resulting in waste leaving the body in a liquid state. Stool that is unusually shaped could suggest a colon issue. For instance, if the stool is thin or ribbon-like, it could indicate that the body’s waste has passed through obstructions, such as polyps or tumors. Bloody stool may also indicate the existence of tumors in the colon, which are ripped apart by waste flowing through the body as the tumors develop or spread, resulting in fresh blood leaking to the stool. If passing waste out of the body is difficult, it may be an indication that there is something obstructing it within the colon, such as polyps or tumors. This can also contribute to a constant need to use the restroom, even though it hasn’t been too long. Your wellbeing can be jeopardized if these obstructions are cancerous. If you have some of these bowel irregularities on a regular basis, speak to your doctor about getting a colon cancer screening.




2. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

   Abdominal pain is a common occurrence. It can be caused by consuming a particular form of food for many people. However, it shouldn’t occur regularly, and if it does, it may indicate deeper issues. This is because clogging in the colon can inflict gastrointestinal pain or discomfort. If a cancerous tumor causes this obstruction, you might be in grave danger. Abdominal spasms that are particularly painful could indicate that the cancer has progressed or even ruptured the intestinal lining. Bloating or gassiness, on the other hand, may be a symptom of colon cancer. This is because colon cancer usually develops from malignant tumors in the lower intestine, which acts as waste obstructions. As waste accumulates in the colon, the patient can experience gassiness, bloating, and general discomfort. If you experience a lot of gastrointestinal discomforts, consult a physician about having checked for colon cancer.




3. Sharp Drop in Weight

   The onset of colon cancer can be accompanied by a rapid loss of weight, but it’s hardly ever a direct cause. Weight loss is typically caused by gastrointestinal discomfort, which is another colon cancer symptom. If processing food becomes too unpleasant or painful, a person will hesitate to eat or stop altogether. Consuming fewer calories and losing weight can exacerbate the issue by starving the body of essential nutrients, including fiber. So, if you’ve been eating less and rapidly losing weight as a result of gastrointestinal pain or discomfort, see your doctor right away.




4. Bladder Infections on a Regular Basis

   Bladder infection, which is also referred to as urinary tract infection, is a common illness that is characterized by a burning sensation or pain while urinating, urgency, spasms, and loss of bladder control. While they are more common in women, they may also affect men. A bacterial infection is usually to blame. However, if they happen often and the signs are mainly urgency and loss of bladder control, it may be a symptom of colon cancer that has progressed to the stage where it is placing stress on nearby organs.




5. Chronic Fatigue Millions of people in the United States suffer from chronic fatigue, which can be caused by a variety of factors. It may be a symptom of a virus, a sign that a person is suffering from insomnia, among others. Extreme tiredness, on the other hand, may be a symptom of colon cancer. This is because cancerous polyps that are a result of colon cancer can split and bleed if ruptured by food waste. If this bleeding occurs regularly, a person can develop anemia, which is typically caused by iron deficiency as a result of blood loss. In other words, if you have a bloody stool on a daily basis and are constantly exhausted, you need to consult with your doctor about getting a colon cancer screening test.