Early symptoms of colon cancer

Early symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Knowing these symptoms can help with early detection and treatment.

1. Blood in the stool: This is one of the most common early symptoms of colorectal cancer. Many people may mistakenly think it is caused by hemorrhoids, but if you find bright red or dark red blood in your stool and it lasts for a long time, you need to pay attention. Blood in the stool may not only be a sign of colorectal cancer, but also a manifestation of other intestinal diseases.

2. Abdominal pain: Patients with colorectal cancer often experience unexplained abdominal pain, especially pain in the lower abdomen. The degree and frequency of abdominal pain may vary, sometimes intermittent and sometimes continuous. Tumor growth can cause intestinal obstruction, causing pain.

3. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is also a warning sign of colorectal cancer. If you lose weight suddenly without any weight loss plan or change in eating habits, you need to be alert. Tumors consume a lot of energy, causing rapid weight loss.

4. Changes in bowel habits: Changes in bowel habits are also an early sign of colorectal cancer. For example, regular bowel movements suddenly become irregular, with alternating constipation and diarrhea. Tumors may affect the normal function of the intestines, leading to changes in bowel habits.

5. Anemia: Long-term blood in the stool may lead to anemia, which manifests as pale complexion, fatigue, dizziness and other symptoms. Anemia is the body's lack of enough red blood cells to transport oxygen. Chronic bleeding caused by intestinal cancer will gradually consume the body's iron and lead to anemia.

6. Abdominal mass: Sometimes, patients can feel a mass in the abdomen, especially when the tumor is already large. The mass may move with breathing or changes in body position. If you find an abnormal mass in the abdomen, you should seek medical attention in time.

7. Nausea and vomiting: Intestinal obstruction can prevent food and liquid from passing normally, causing nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are particularly obvious after eating and are often accompanied by a feeling of bloating.

8. Continuous fatigue: Patients with colorectal cancer often feel tired, even if they do not engage in strenuous activities. This fatigue may be caused by anemia or cancer cells consuming a lot of energy.

In order to increase the chances of early detection of colorectal cancer, regular physical examinations are recommended, especially for people with a family history of colorectal cancer or long-term intestinal problems. Developing healthy living habits, maintaining a balanced diet, increasing dietary fiber intake, and reducing red meat and processed meat intake can help prevent colorectal cancer. Regular exercise and maintaining a good attitude can also enhance immunity and reduce the risk of cancer.

If you find yourself with one or more of the above symptoms, don't panic, see a doctor for examination in time. Early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer will greatly increase the cure rate. Healthy living starts with paying attention to changes in your body.