What are the symptoms and hazards of colorectal cancer

Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits and weight loss. The main danger is that in the late stage, intestinal obstruction and tumor metastasis may occur, which are life-threatening. Patients are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible if abnormal symptoms occur, so as to detect and treat them early and improve the cure rate.

Analysis of colorectal cancer symptoms

1. Blood or mucus in stool

Blood in the stool is a common early symptom of colorectal cancer. The blood may be bright red, dark red, or mixed in the stool, sometimes accompanied by secretions such as mucus. Once such symptoms occur, further examination should be conducted even if hemorrhoids are suspected, such as colonoscopy or fecal occult blood test to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Abdominal pain or discomfort

The presence of a tumor may cause intestinal narrowing or obstruction, which can cause paroxysmal abdominal pain, bloating, or increased bowel sounds. The pain is usually in the middle and lower abdomen, and as the disease progresses, the symptoms may worsen to persistent pain or affect quality of life.

3. Changes in bowel habits

Patients may have frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, with occasional constipation and a feeling of residual stool after defecation. This change can easily be mistaken for mild indigestion, but if it lasts for more than two weeks without obvious causes, you should be alert to potential risks.

4. Rapid weight loss

Patients with early colorectal cancer may experience unexplained weight loss. Tumor proliferation consumes a lot of body energy, causing patients to become significantly thinner and feel weak. Sometimes this may be accompanied by a persistent low-grade fever, indicating increased tumor activity.

Hazard analysis and prevention recommendations

1. Intestinal obstruction

The growth of the tumor may cause complete intestinal obstruction, which is characterized by severe bloating, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool. This condition requires emergency treatment, usually surgery to relieve the obstruction.

2. Metastasis and complications

Advanced colorectal cancer often metastasizes to the liver, lungs, and other organs, leading to multiple organ failure, which not only reduces the survival rate but also may further increase the complexity of treatment.

3. Psychological burden

The symptoms and treatment process of colorectal cancer may cause patients to experience psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, so psychological assistance and social support are also an important part of the treatment.

Coping strategies

Early screening is the key to preventing and treating colorectal cancer. People over 45 years old can undergo regular colonoscopy and related physical examinations; if there is a family history, screening is required in advance. In daily diet, eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, control the intake of red meat and processed meat products, and exercise moderately; quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight are also effective means.

The symptoms of colorectal cancer are hidden but extremely harmful, so it needs to be taken seriously. Once abnormalities are found, professional help should be sought without delay to improve survival rate and quality of life through screening and standardized treatment. At the same time, a healthy lifestyle is advocated to prevent the occurrence of cancer from daily habits.