Colon cancer (or colorectal cancer) is common. How common?
1 in 24 people will develop colon cancer in their lifetime, and 75 percent of those diagnosed have no family history of the disease. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of colon cancer, it’s likely to impact you or someone you know.
Taking a quick peek at whatcha' do in the loo is a good way to keep tabs on the health of your colon. But keep in mind, not everyone who has colon cancer will have symptoms and colon cancer is most treatable when it is caught before most of these symptoms appear, which is why regular colon screening is important starting at age 45.
There are many symptoms that can indicate something isn't right:
Blood in your stool or bleeding from the rectum.
A change in the shape of your stool. Particularly if it becomes thin, pencil-like or ribbon-like.
A change in your stool habits like if you start to consistently get diarrhea or constipation.
Feeling like you can’t empty your bowels, or if you have the urge to go but there is no need to do so.
Persistent pain in your abdomen or lower back, or while going to the bathroom.
Outside of the bathroom, things like unexplained fatigue, weakness, or unintentional weight loss
can also be a sign that your colon isn’t working like it should.
Being aware of these symptoms help you flag when something doesn’t seem right and it’s time to get in contact with a doctor. Talking to a doctor early is key, because colon cancer -- as well as any other colon-issues -- are very treatable, especially when caught early.
If you want to learn more about colon cancer, it’s symptoms and screening visit our website at:
coloncancercoalition.org.