The good news: if colorectal cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are now almost 100 percent. The not so good news: Unfortunately, the disease usually only causes symptoms at a later stage. But there are symptoms that can indicate degenerated cells or a malignant tumor in the intestine. FITBOOK explains.
colon cancer is one of the most common cancers and following lung cancer also the deadliest type of cancer. The disease might lose much of its terror if more people took advantage of the recommended check-ups. This is because it is an insidious condition: the degenerated cells often only become apparent when the cancer is more advanced. Doctors therefore also speak of silent symptoms. But there are signs that can point to a disease and taking these early symptoms of colon cancer seriously can save lives.
First symptoms that may indicate early-stage colorectal cancer
- constipation
- diarrhea
- color changes of the stool
- Changes in stool shape (especially tight or pencil-thin stools)
- Blood in the stool (also visible on the toilet paper)
- bleeding from the rectum
- Bloating, cramps and abdominal pain that occurs more often
- A pale complexion, usually due to anemia
- Unexplained weight loss
- nausea and vomiting1
Also interesting: The bowel movement allows conclusions to be drawn regarding your health
Important to know: Many of these signs and first symptoms can, but do not have to mean that you have colon cancer. However, they can also indicate other diseases that require treatment. It is therefore highly advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice one or more of the symptoms mentioned above.
Typical symptoms that only become apparent in the advanced stage of colon cancer
- Excessive tiredness
- Inexplicable weakness
- Unwanted weight loss
- Changes in bowel movements that last longer than a month
- The feeling that the bowel movement does not pass completely
Even more symptoms appear when the abnormal cells have already spread to other parts of the body. The following is particularly common:
- Jaundice, or yellow eyes and skin
- swelling in your fingers or feet
- difficulty breathing
- Chronic Headaches
- blurred vision
- broken bones
Blood in the stool explained
Blood in the stool is one of the warning signs that make a visit to the doctor highly recommended. The technical term for this is hematochezia. If you discover it in yourself, you don’t have to panic right away, because the cause can also be harmless.2 However, it is important to see a doctor to find out the cause.
Even the color and texture of the blood provide valuable information. Bright red blood usually comes from the middle or lower part of the digestive system. Guilt can be harmless hemorrhoids being. They are very widespread and are even considered a widespread disease. Another possible cause can be so-called anal fissures. These are tiny tears on the anus that can be quite painful. They also trigger very annoying itching and wetness in the anus. Bright red bloody stools can also be the result of a gastrointestinal infection being. Bacteria or viruses attack the intestinal mucosa and irritate it so much that bright red bleeding is possible.
If there is dark red blood in the stool, there is usually heavy bleeding in the large intestine. Inflamed diverticula are often to blame. These are protrusions of the colon wall. It can also be bleeding colon polyps.
In addition to the causes already mentioned, certain diseases or medications can also be considered because they can also cause blood in the stool. This includes:
- Chronic bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and Colitis ulcersoa.
- A mesenteric infarction. This is the acute occlusion of an intestinal vessel. This leads to the death of the affected part of the intestine.
- Antibiotics. Prolonged antibiotic therapy can lead to colon inflammation. This is due to the multiplication of certain intestinal bacteria.
- But you can’t repeat it often enough: it doesn’t matter whether it’s light or dark red. It is highly advisable to consult a doctor and have the cause clarified.