Colon cancer, especially in the early stages, often develops slowly and without specific symptoms. If they do occur, they are usually non-specific, which can lead to them being confused with symptoms of other digestive tract diseases or misattributed to stress or an unhealthy diet.
However, statistics show that colon cancer is increasingly affecting young people who are not in the risk group. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor your body and notice even subtle changes that may indicate a disease.
Colon cancer develops silently, often for up to 10-15 years. In the vast majority of cases, the cause is a polyp, which should be detected and removed in time. For this reason, it is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy once every 10 years, or immediately if worrying symptoms appear.
Among the six warning signs are mainly frequent and long-term change in the rhythm of defecation – repeated constipation, diarrhea or their alternation. Single episodes are not a reason to panic, but if they persist, it is advisable to see a doctor. A change in the appearance of the stool can also be a problem. Colon cancer is typical of the so-called pencil-like stool, which can also change the smell or consistency.
It may persist after emptying a feeling of incomplete emptying or pressure in the rectal areawhich may signal the presence of a tumor. However, this feeling is not caused by the increasing amount of stool, but by the tumor itself. Similar symptoms also occur with hemorrhoids, which are benign, but it is impossible to distinguish them from cancer without a medical examination. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor for any persistent feeling of incomplete emptying.
Blood in the stool may not always be visible to the naked eye – in this case it is a so-called occult bleeding that may be caused by a tumor. Regular bleeding leads to anemia, the symptoms of which are chronic fatigue, weakness, pale skin or shortness of breath. Bleeding during bowel movements is another symptom that requires medical attention, as it can be a sign of cancer or hemorrhoids.
Recurring abdominal pain, feeling full, bloating and gas, although often associated with indigestion, can also be symptoms of a growing tumor. Especially with a tumor in the right part of the large intestine, the symptoms can be mild and ambiguous, which increases the risk of overlooking the disease. If symptoms persist despite a change in lifestyle or diet, a doctor should be consulted.
Rapid weight loss without changing diet or lifestyle is another warning sign. It is often accompanied by a loss of appetite, which is not related to the daily routine or load. Chronic fatigue in colon cancer may be associated with anemia, accompanied by general weakness and reduced physical performance, leading to rapid fatigue even during normal activities.
Most of these symptoms are non-specific and can be confused with indigestion, stress, infection or hemorrhoids. The tumor usually develops slowly, sometimes over several years, and its symptoms are subtle. Not every tumor causes a narrowing of the intestine. Changes in the right part of the colon often do not cause symptoms for a long time, which allows tumors to grow unnoticed.
According to gastroenterologist Dr. According to Adam Przybyłkowski, lifestyle is responsible for 90% of cases. Regular colonoscopy is necessary for early detection of the disease. If risk factors are not present, the first examination is recommended at the age of 45. Earlier diagnosis is necessary in persons with a family history of colon cancer or genetic mutations.
Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity and chest is used to determine the stage of the disease, which helps to detect the presence of metastases and plan treatment. The method of treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the localization of the tumor and the general condition of the patient. In the early stages, the basic method is to surgically remove the tumor along with the surrounding healthy tissues and the relevant lymph nodes. Rectal tumors are often treated with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery, which shrinks the tumor and makes it easier to remove it completely.
The prognosis depends on the stage of the disease. Five-year survival is up to 90% in the first stage, up to 80% in the second, approximately 55% in the third, and only around 5% in the fourth. Therefore, it is crucial to undergo regular examinations, which allow the disease to be detected in time.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
