Colon Cancer
When it comes to colon cancer, the most important this is making sure that it’s detected early. The only way to be sure that you’re staying on top of testing and screening is to set up regular appointments and be sure to keep them. It’s also a good idea to be aware of the warning signs and to act accordingly if you should begin to suffer from any of them. There is new research constantly developing about various symptoms. Following are some of the more common symptoms.
Constipation
One of the earliest signs of colon cancer is constipation. This can be caused by a tumor blocking the colon, which can make it difficult for waste to get by. Of course there are many other possible causes of constipation as well. As a general rule, if you are having less than three bowel movements per week for an extended period of time, you should probably discuss the situation with your doctor.
Stomach Cramps
Stomach cramps can be caused by colon cancer blocking the colon and not allowing gas and waste through. This can lead to painful cramps that can make it difficult to carry on with your regular life. Stomach cramps can also be a result of the cancer actually having poked through the colon. If you regularly experience stomach cramps for an unknown reason, it is possible that it’s a medical emergency and you should discuss your situation with your doctor as soon as possible.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss can be an early indicator of many diseases, including colon cancer. However, people often don’t pause to take note of it. The truth is that many times people are so pleased with the sudden and unexplained weight loss that they don’t take a moment to consider that it might not be good for them. One explanation for this type of weight loss is the body secreting certain chemicals in an effort to fight off an invader, like cancer.
Nausea and Vomiting
There are tons of reasons that a person can be vomiting or become nauseous. They might have eaten something bad within the last 12 hours. They might be coming down with a stomach bug. Some people simply have weak stomachs and it might be something as simple as having smelled something off. However, if you regularly experiencing nausea that ends with vomiting, this might be a sign of something more serious, like colon cancer. It’s best to discuss your issues with your doctor.
Any of the above symptoms might be a sign of colon cancer, or they might be one of many other things. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, don’t let yourself panic. Instead, make an appointment with your doctor. Tell them everything you’re experiencing and make sure to tell them the frequency that you’re experiencing symptoms as well as how long you’ve been experiencing them. Only your doctor will have access to the research, tests and medication you will need for a proper diagnosis.