Early symptoms and precursors of rectal cancer

Early symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and weight loss. When these symptoms occur, you need to see a doctor immediately for screening so that you can detect and treat it early. Early detection of colorectal cancer can significantly increase the cure rate, and a healthy diet, active exercise, and regular physical examinations can also effectively reduce the risk of disease.

1. Changes in bowel habits

Typical early symptoms of rectal cancer are significant changes in bowel habits, such as alternating constipation and diarrhea, abnormal bowel movement frequency, or difficulty interrupting bowel movements and feeling that the bowels are not completely empty. If the symptoms last for a long time or there is no obvious cause, it may indicate that there are lesions in the intestines, which must be taken seriously. It is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible when such symptoms occur, and fecal occult blood testing or colonoscopy may be required.

2. Blood or mucus in stool

Blood in the stool is one of the important early signs of rectal cancer, but it can be easily mistaken for hemorrhoids. If bright red or dark red blood appears repeatedly in the stool, or is accompanied by mucus or pus, especially if there is abdominal discomfort during defecation, you need to be highly alert to the possibility of rectal lesions. The doctor may recommend a rectal digital examination or colonoscopy to determine the cause.

3. Abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort

Intestinal obstruction caused by early tumors can cause symptoms such as abdominal distension and abdominal pain. Patients may feel dull abdominal pain or intermittent cramping. For these signs, pay attention to whether they are accompanied by other abnormalities such as bowel habits and weight changes. If you have similar symptoms, it is recommended to consult the gastroenterology department immediately.

4Weight loss and fatigue

Weight loss and fatigue without obvious causes may be early systemic manifestations of colorectal cancer. This is usually related to metabolic changes in the tumor and impaired nutrient absorption. It is recommended to comprehensively evaluate your overall health and perform blood tests or imaging tests according to your doctor's advice.

5 Prevention and treatment recommendations

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent colorectal cancer. In terms of diet, eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and reduce red meat and high-fat foods. Regular exercise is also important and helps to stabilize the internal environment. People over 40 years old or those with a family history of colorectal cancer should undergo regular colorectal cancer screening, such as fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopy, to strive for early detection and early treatment.

Treatments for early rectal cancer generally include surgical resection, low-dose adjuvant chemotherapy, and minimally invasive treatment. Surgery such as transanal local excision is suitable for early lesions, and chemotherapy and targeted drug combination therapy can be used as an important auxiliary means of treatment. Depending on the severity of the lesion, minimally invasive methods such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) are a quick and effective treatment method.

Paying attention to symptom changes early and maintaining regular screening are the keys to preventing and treating colorectal cancer. If you have any suspected symptoms, do not delay and seek medical attention immediately for a clear diagnosis, which can better protect your health and effectively reduce the threat posed by the disease.