Many types of cancer, including colon cancer, don’t show symptoms in the early stages. You may not even know you have it if you don’t notice the early signs your body is showing you. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 39.5% of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. It is better to catch it sooner rather than later. Seek medical advice as soon as you notice any suspicious symptoms to improve the success of the colon cancer specialists treating you.
Colon cancer is quickly becoming a treatable disease. Patients can benefit from multi-specialty treatment options that combine integrated care of supporting the body while aggressively treating cancer with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical removal of tumors. Colon cancer specialists support their patients with multi-specialty treatment options and integrative care. Here are the signs and symptoms that you should get checked for colon cancer.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Sometimes it’s difficult to realize that the symptoms you’re feeling may be signs of colon cancer. In all fairness, all of these symptoms may be due to other benign conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Still, if you have any of them, it’s better to have them checked out by a colon cancer specialist.
Bowel Issues
The most obvious sign is a change in your bowel habits. For instance, you might develop diarrhea that is not associated with anything you have eaten, or you might suddenly become constipated for no reason, especially if these changes happen regularly over time.
Rectal bleeding is also one of the main signs of colon cancer, but it can be due to bleeding polyps or hemorrhoids in your gut. So, if you find blood on your toilet paper or in your poo, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Stomach Issues
Your stomach might feel sore, or you might have stomach cramps every night for at least two weeks daily. This would be a big sign to have checked out. It may turn out to be nothing, but it’s better safe than sorry.
Additionally, after emptying your bowels, you may feel that there’s still stool left in your rectum like your bowels did not empty. It’s a very vague symptom, but worth checking out.
Energy Issues
Finally, if may feel tired and listless, like when you have the flu, only you don’t have the flu at this time. See a doctor; a simple blood test can determine whether you need a holiday or if there is something more sinister your body is trying to tell you.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, don’t delay visiting us at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists. An early cancer diagnosis can prolong your life or even give you a chance at a cure and the ability to live a cancer-free life.