What are the symptoms of early rectal cancer in women

Common symptoms of early rectal cancer in women include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, etc., and timely medical examination is required. Treatment methods include surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc. Early detection can increase the cure rate.

1. Changes in bowel habits are one of the typical symptoms of early rectal cancer. Patients may experience constipation, diarrhea, or alternation between the two, with an increase or decrease in bowel movements, and the shape of the stool becomes thinner or flat. This change usually lasts for weeks or even months and has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle habits. It is recommended that when such symptoms occur, a colonoscopy should be performed in a timely manner to rule out or confirm rectal cancer.

2. Blood in the stool is another common symptom, usually bright red or dark red blood in the stool, sometimes accompanied by mucus. Blood in the stool may be mistaken for hemorrhoids, but blood in the stool caused by rectal cancer is usually persistent and accompanied by other symptoms. If you find blood in the stool, especially if it is accompanied by a change in bowel habits, you should see a doctor immediately for further examination.

3. Abdominal pain or discomfort is also one of the symptoms of early rectal cancer. Patients may feel dull pain, distension or cramping in the abdomen, usually in the lower abdomen or rectum. This pain may be related to the tumor compressing surrounding tissues or causing intestinal obstruction. If the abdominal pain persists or worsens, imaging examinations such as CT or MRI should be performed in time to clarify the cause.

4. Weight loss and fatigue are systemic symptoms of rectal cancer. Patients may experience unexplained weight loss in a short period of time, accompanied by loss of appetite and fatigue. These symptoms are usually related to the tumor consuming nutrients in the body or causing chronic blood loss. If these symptoms occur, a comprehensive physical examination and blood test should be performed as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of malignant tumors.

5. The treatment of early rectal cancer mainly includes surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment method, which can achieve the purpose of radical cure by removing the tumor and surrounding tissues. Radiotherapy is suitable for local advanced stage or postoperative adjuvant treatment, which can reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy is used to control the spread of tumors and improve the survival rate. The treatment plan needs to be formulated by professional doctors according to the specific situation of the patient.

Early symptoms of rectal cancer in women are diverse and need to be taken seriously. If symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain occur, you should seek medical attention in a timely manner. Early detection and treatment are the key to improving the cure rate. Regular colonoscopy is recommended, especially for high-risk groups.