Early symptoms of rectal cancer

Early symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain. 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 rectal cancer. Many people may mistakenly think that the bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids, but if you find bright red or dark red blood in your stool and it lasts for a long time, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible. The color and amount of blood may vary, but they should not be ignored.

2. Changes in bowel habits: If you find that your bowel habits have suddenly changed, such as diarrhea, constipation, or thinner stools, especially if these changes last for more than a few weeks, you need to pay attention. These changes may be caused by intestinal tumors affecting the normal bowel movement process.

3. Abdominal pain and discomfort: Early-stage colorectal cancer patients may feel dull pain or discomfort in the abdomen. This pain may not be severe, but it will persist and will not be relieved even after defecation. If you often feel abdominal bloating, cramps or unexplained abdominal pain, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible.

4. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is also a potential sign of colorectal cancer. If you do not follow any weight loss plan, but your weight drops rapidly in a short period of time, this may be due to the body consuming a lot of energy in fighting cancer cells.

5. Symptoms of anemia: Due to chronic bleeding caused by rectal cancer, patients may experience symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and paleness. If you find yourself often feeling tired and unexplained, you should consider a blood test.

6. Pain during bowel movements: If you feel pain or discomfort during bowel movements, or even pain in the anus, this may be one of the early symptoms of rectal cancer. This symptom is often mistaken for hemorrhoids, but if the pain persists, further examination is still needed.

7. Mucus in stool: Some patients with rectal cancer may find mucus in their stool, which is also a signal that needs attention. Mucus may be secreted by tumors in the intestine. If this happens, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Recommendations and measures

1. Regular physical examination: Regular colonoscopy is very important, especially for people with a family history or those over 50 years old. Early detection of rectal cancer can greatly increase the cure rate.

2. Healthy diet: Eating more fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and reducing the intake of red meat and processed meat can help prevent rectal cancer.

3. Maintain good living habits: quit smoking and limit alcohol, exercise moderately, and maintain a healthy weight, all of which will help reduce the risk of rectal cancer.

4. Pay attention to physical changes: If you find yourself having the above symptoms, especially blood in the stool and changes in bowel habits, do not delay and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

By understanding the early symptoms of colorectal cancer, we can better protect the health of ourselves and our families. Early detection and early treatment are the key to fighting colorectal cancer.