Colon Cancer Warning Signs

When a child grows into an adult, or when a person is recovering from an injury, the process by which this happens is cell growth, where the cells will divide at a steady rate. However, if a cell is infected with cancer, this rate becomes unnaturally large, which forms masses of cancerous cells. Cancer can occur in many different areas of the body, and is one of the most prolific fatal diseases in the United States – and of the deaths that occur, the second highest cause is colon cancer, which refers to the cancerous growths that occur in the colon, rectum, and appendix area.

Thankfully, there are some ways to detect early symptoms of this deadly disease. The most recognizable is rectal bleeding, colloquially known as “blood in the stool.” Now, if you find rectal bleeding, don’t automatically assume it is colon cancer – other, less serious causes include hemorrhoids or a simple cut in the rectal area, or even a problem with the digestive system. In fact, certain foods with a bright red color (like beets) and certain medications (like iron supplements) can create an illusion of blood in a stool sample. For these reasons, this symptom alone is not enough to indicate the presence of a cancerous growth – however, if it is persistent, it should not be ignored. A visit to a professional is the only way to find the true source.

Another sign of a cancerous growth may be persistently narrow stools. If a tumor were to grow in the rectal area, it would cause the passageway to narrow, restricting the flow of the fecal matter, and resulting in a narrow stool. Again, there are other potential causes, but if this is occurring on a regular basis, it would be in the individual’s best interest to be seen by a professional.

A more subtle symptom can be unexplained weight loss. If you are not attempting to lose weight through a combination of diet and exercise, yet are still losing a considerable amount of weight, this may be a sign of a cancerous growth. In a normal, non-cancerous colon, the water in the digested food is absorbed, while a cancerous growth prevents this from occuring. This also causes the person to become tired more easily. If you do notice a sudden and unexpected loss of weight, it is always wise to seek out a medical opinion.

Something as simple as various digestive illnesses could be a signal as well. If the growth is in a position to block or hinder the passage of the stool, it may cause common difficulties as constipation, water retention, nausea, cramps in the stomach and abdomen, indigestion, and diarrhea. Even something as simple as excessive gas, which may occur when the excretions are obstructed, may be a warning that a growth is present in the colon or rectum. All of these things are the body’s way of saying that something is wrong in the digestive area – and when combined with any of these other warning signs, may indicate that a further examination is necessary.

Of course, every one of these warning signs could indicate something else – something as unthreatening as an stomach virus or the flu. However, if several of these symptoms appear together and continue to appear on a regular basis, it is recommended to get them checked out by a physician. Depending on what the doctor finds, and if he does suspect there is a chance for cancer of the colon, the next step would be a colonoscopy. First, the bowel, colon, and rectum areas are cleansed with a liquid, and then the area is looked at with x-rays for any signs of a growth or other indications of the presence of cancer. It is a difficult procedure from the patient’s perspective – much more intrusive and uncomfortable than one might be accustomed to – but it is the doctor’s second-best weapon to detect and prevent the spread of colon cancer; the first is for the patient to not ignore these seemingly innocuous ailments and discomforts. Yes, it is unlikely, but if it is a cancerous tumor in the colon area, the best chances a person has to defeat it is to detect and treat it in it’s first stages.