Colorectal cancer is the second cause of cancer mortality globally and in Romania, and the main reason is detection in advanced stages. Because it occurs more frequently under the age of 50, even young people should know the main symptoms of colon cancer. Find out what they are.
Colon and rectal cancers, grouped under the name colorectal cancer, are more common after the age of 65. However, in recent decades, colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in people under the age of 45.
Even 20-year-olds should be aware of the warning signs of this cancer and talk to their doctor about any suspicious symptoms, recommend doctors at Yale Medicine Colon&Rectal Surgery. “We are clearly seeing an increase in colorectal cancer among younger generations,” says Dr. Haddon Pantel, colorectal surgery specialist at Yale Medicine.
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In Romania, colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women and the third in men. At the same time, it is the second cause of death from cancer, according to GLOBOCAN data from 2022.
The most common symptoms of colon cancer
In the early stages, this type of cancer usually has mild or no symptoms. For this reason, early detection of the disease without regular screening is difficult and explains the high mortality rate. When diagnosed early, colon cancer is often treatable.
The signs become more obvious as the disease progresses, as the tumor grows and begins to affect the normal functioning of the colon or nearby organs. However, symptoms are mistaken for other conditions and diagnosis is delayed.
Here are the main symptoms of colon cancer:
1. Rectal bleeding
Blood in the stool can be caused by bleeding from a tumor located anywhere in the digestive tract, from the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and up to the anus. Bleeding can be seen on the toilet paper, in the toilet or on the surface of the stool and can be different colors depending on the location:
- Bright red blood indicates a problem in the lower part of the digestive tract: the anus, rectum or lower part of the colon, according to the Academic Medical Center Cleveland Clinicfrom the USA;
- Dark red or brown blood is from bleeding higher up in the colon or small intestine;
- Black stools most often indicate bleeding in the stomach, such as a bleeding ulcer.
Rectal bleeding is often mistaken for hemorrhoids, says Dr. Haddon Pantel, a colorectal surgery specialist at Yale Medicine. “Many patients come to me for the treatment of hemorrhoids, but you have to make sure that the bleeding does not indicate something more serious, regardless of the patient’s age,” explains the doctor.
Sometimes the bleeding is not visible to the naked eye and can only be identified under a microscope with the help of a fecal occult blood test.
2. Thin seats
The shape of the stools can also provide important clues about the presence of colon cancer. Thin, pencil-sized, or ribbon-shaped, elongated, band-like stools are a frequently ignored but alarming symptom. They signal an obstruction in the colon or rectum that makes it difficult for faeces to pass from the intestine to the anus.
There are other conditions that change the shape of the stool by narrowing the intestinal lumen (the inner space of the intestine). Large polyps, hemorrhoids or anal fissures can have a similar effect. However, it is important to investigate the cause to rule out colorectal cancer.
3. Changed stool frequency
More frequent stools or, conversely, less frequent stools than usual are other possible symptoms of colon cancer. Persistent diarrhea that lasts for at least two weeks can signal a serious problem, especially if it is not caused by factors such as infection or diet. Tumors in the colon can irritate the intestinal lining or affect absorption processes, causing frequent, watery stools.
Chronic constipation, defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, may be a sign of obstruction caused by a tumor. As it grows, it can make stools harder to pass and accumulate in the bowel.
4. Unwarranted weight loss
Unintended weight loss that has no obvious explanation usually occurs in the more advanced stages of colon cancer. Unexplained weight loss has several causes:
- Reduced absorption of nutrients due to partial or complete obstruction of the intestine caused by a tumor;
- Loss of appetite and reduced calorie intake;
- The tumor’s increased energy consumption, which depletes the body’s resources;
- Chronic stool bleeding.
See a doctor for investigations if you notice a loss of more than 5% of your body weight within 6-12 months, in the absence of dietary changes.
5. Persistent fatigue
Fatigue or low energy can be explained by iron deficiency anemia caused by chronic rectal bleeding associated with colon cancer. Persistent blood loss reduces iron and hemoglobin levels, resulting in insufficient oxygen delivery to organs and tissues. Anemia causes fatigue, weakness and lack of energy.
Many young women believe that menstrual bleeding is the cause of their anemia, but doctors recommend that they investigate other causes.
Some people have no symptoms of colon cancer at all, so it’s essential to talk to your doctor if you have a family history of colorectal cancer. Although not a comfortable investigation, colonoscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of this disease and can save lives.
Recommendations for the prevention of colorectal cancer
About 20% of colorectal cancers run in families, but less than half of them are the result of a known hereditary disease, according to European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Most often, this type of cancer occurs as a sporadic disease, more precisely, it is not associated with a genetic inheritance.
Although the cause of colorectal cancer is not clear, several risk factors have been identified. Aging is among them, but lifestyle plays an equally important role in the occurrence of this type of cancer.
Here’s what you can do to prevent colon cancer:
- Adopt a healthy diet. Consume 25 grams of fiber per day, from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes; limit the consumption of red meat (beef, lamb or pork), processed meat (hot dogs, sausages) and fats;
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol consumption has been linked to seven types of cancer. Any amount and any type of alcohol increases the risk, so it would be best to avoid it;
- Do exercise. Being sedentary increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Regular physical activity can reduce this risk;
- Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk not only for lung cancer, but also for colorectal and other types of cancer. Even e-cigarettes are dangerous;
- Lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, you have a higher risk of both developing and dying from colorectal cancer.
The information presented in this article is not a substitute for medical advice. Ask your doctor for advice on diagnosis and treatment.
Alright! So let’s dive into this article about colorectal cancer, shall we? And let me just warn you, it’s probably not the most glamorous topic but hey, we all have our… gut feelings!
First off, colorectal cancer is like that unwelcome guest at a party, isn’t it? Crashing in, taking over, and being the second leading cause of cancer mortality around the globe. Now, hang on to your seats because in Romania, it’s causing a ruckus too, mainly because people aren’t spotting it until it’s practically throwing them a farewell party in the advanced stages. You’d think the colon would give us some notice, right? But no, it just keeps quiet until it’s too late.
So get this: even those sprightly twenty-somethings out there should pay attention. I mean, when did young people start getting the same health issues as folks in their 60s? It’s like we’re fast-forwarding through life! Dr. Haddon Pantel from Yale Medicine might as well be saying, “Hey, young people! Don’t just scroll through TikTok; pay attention to your bodies too!”
Let’s talk symptoms, shall we? You know, the body’s way of sending messages — and we all know how well we listen to our bodies.
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Rectal Bleeding: Now I’m not saying blood in your stool is normal — unless you’re a magician pulling out unexpected surprises! Bright red? Time to check for issues in your lower digestive tract. Dark? Now you’re thinking of darker thoughts… but it’s probably just higher up the line.
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Thin Stools: Wow, they say size doesn’t matter, but apparently, it does in the world of bowel movements! Pencil-thin stools are like the little black dress of poops — always a sign that something’s off! Who knew your stool could be sending you fashion tips along with health warnings?
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Changed Stool Frequency: So, you’re either glued to the loo or feeling like it’s one queue too many? Either way, something’s brewing. Both constant dashes to the bathroom and iron-clad constipation should have you thinking about what’s going on in that digestive racetrack!
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Unwarranted Weight Loss: If you’re shedding pounds without hitting the gym, it’s not the kind of weight loss we want to brag about. It’s like your body is pulling a ‘Goodbye, cruel world’ moment — and that’s never a good sign.
- Persistent Fatigue: Fatigue, while often blamed on binge-watching shows or annoying coworkers, might be linked to something more sinister. If you’re feeling like a sloth on a lazy day, you might want to check in with the doc.
And don’t forget, the doctor isn’t just there for when you’ve got a cough; they’re quite handy for those “what’s that?” moments too!
Now, we can complain about cancer all day, but prevention is where the gold is, folks! From eating more fiber to embracing exercise and kicking the booze and smokes — they say it’s all about making healthier choices! Think of it like dating; you wouldn’t date a bad decision, so don’t give your body one either!
In summary, colorectal cancer is not the punchline we’d want to joke about, but knowledge is power. And if you notice something odd in your basement, the best thing you can do is get it checked out. After all, as the good doctors say, early detection can often steer you clear of the black hole that is advanced cancer stages.
So remember, it’s all about keeping things light-hearted and paying attention to our bodies — because they deserve our attention, even if it feels a bit awkward! Cheers, everyone! 🥳
When should I see a doctor for changes in bowel movements or abdominal discomfort?
Ometimes it’s like your bowel is playing a game of hide-and-seek. One day regular, the next day it’s gone! If you notice significant changes in how often you go, your body might be trying to tell you something. It’s worth getting checked out, especially if you’re visiting the bathroom less often than usual… or more often, for that matter!
Abdominal Discomfort: This could range from mild discomfort to full-blown war in your gut. If you feel like a marching band is performing in your abdomen — cramps, bloating, or persistent pain — it’s another clue that your body isn’t happy.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Now, I don’t know about you, but if I suddenly drop a lot of weight without trying, I’d want to investigate the why. Your body isn’t just shedding pounds for fun, especially if you’re not on a diet or exercise regime.
So, to sum it all up: pay attention to your gut, literally! If something feels ‘off’, don’t ignore those signs. Remember, prevention is better than cure — keep up those healthy habits and stay informed about your health. And who knows? Maybe you could be the one to kick colorectal cancer to the curb!
Stay healthy, folks, and don’t forget to talk to your doctor about any concerns. After all, nobody likes surprises when it comes to cancer!