The Basics of Colon Cancer Symptoms
Posted by Medical Fan - 23/12/08 at 05:12 amThe Basics of Colon Cancer Symptoms
Thanks to diets high in cholesterol and low in fibre, the incidence of colon cancer has increased over the past years. Like with other kinds of cancers, the best way to treat this disease is to catch it early and to do that, one must be aware of its symptoms.
The most common of the colon cancer symptoms is abdominal pain. Patients may also complain of a change in their bowel habits or blood in their stool. In some cases though, the blood in the stool is not easily seen and may require a test to be sure of its presence.
Early in the course of this disease, colon cancer symptoms may be confined to symptoms that can be associated with any number of diseases. These symptoms include loss of appetite, loss of weight without effort, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, and a bloated abdomen. The abdominal pain is most likely due to a blockage of the gastrointestinal tract resulting in a gas- or stool-filled colon but in some cases, it may be caused by a tear in the intestinal wall. Colon cancer symptoms can also include diarrhea, a narrow stool, or constipation due to a tumour that is blocking the passage of the stool.
Other non-specific symptoms of colon cancer include fatigue and weakness that has been attributed to anaemia brought on by the tumour’s growth.
However, in some cases, colon cancer may have no symptoms at all and the only to detect it is through screening, which is why it is important to have an annual medical check-up.