| Cancer is one of the leading causes of death | | | | present in a very small amount and not be |
| worldwide. In the United States, around 1000 | | | | noticed. But there are also cases, where the |
| patients die each day from complications of | | | | stool is really bloody. A fecal occult blood |
| cancer. Approximately 2.4 million Americans | | | | test can confirm presence of blood in your |
| are expected to be diagnosed with the dreaded | | | | stool. |
| disease in 2007. The exact cause of cancer is | | | | |
| unknown. It is only characterized by the | | | | 4. Unexplained weight loss- one of the |
| abnormal cell division and growth. Genetics, | | | | classic sign of cancer is weight loss. If you |
| exposure to chemicals and lifestyle are just | | | | are losing weight even if you are not trying, |
| some of the risk factors in cancer. | | | | you should ask your doctor. |
| | | | |
| Colon cancer is a particular cancer in which | | | | 5. Fatigue- another colon cancer symptom to |
| the primary affected area is the colon. Many | | | | look out for is unexplained tiredness. Some |
| studies showed that people with colon cancer | | | | experts link this symptom to anemia or iron |
| are those who have been smoking, drinking | | | | deficiency. To be sure, you should have your |
| excessively, suffers from inflammatory bowel | | | | blood checked. |
| disease and are obese. Regular colon cancer | | | | |
| screenings should be accomplished if you are | | | | 6. Nausea and vomiting- because of the tumor |
| considered to be at risk. This kinds of | | | | in your colon area, you might feel nauseous |
| screenings can help you fight against any | | | | and even vomit for no apparent reason. |
| kind of colon cancer that might decide to | | | | |
| rear its ugly head. It's important to take | | | | 7. Gassy- obstruction of the colon by a tumor |
| care of the matter before it becomes too much | | | | causes air to be trapped. |
| of a problem. | | | | |
| | | | Diagnosing colon cancer can be done in a |
| If you are exhibiting the following colon | | | | number of ways. Your doctor could perform a |
| cancer symptoms, you should be evaluated for | | | | digital rectal exam to check for abnormal |
| colorectal cancer at once. | | | | areas in your rectum. Another way is to take |
| | | | endoscopic images of your colon. This is done |
| 1. Irregular bowel movements: you could have | | | | by inserting a lighted device in you rectum |
| less or more bowel movements if you have | | | | and images are transmitted to a monitor. This |
| colon cancer. You can even experience | | | | is a very accurate test and could also |
| constipation more often. This is because the | | | | differentiate between a polyp and a tumor |
| tumor in your colon is already obstructing | | | | growth. |
| the regular flow of your bowel. | | | | |
| | | | If detected early, colon cancer can be |
| 2. Stomach Cramps- due to bowel obstruction, | | | | treated by surgery, chemotherapy or |
| you will feel stomach cramps and sometimes | | | | radiotherapy. The key is early diagnosis. |
| even bloating. As the tumor grows bigger, it | | | | Chances for survival are higher for people |
| could actually be perforating the bowel wall | | | | who are diagnosed at the early stages of |
| causing pain and discomfort. | | | | colon cancer. This is the reason why you |
| | | | should be evaluated or screened by a cancer |
| 3. Bloody Stool- you might observe bleeding | | | | expert especially if you are exhibiting |
| in your bowel. Sometimes the blood will be | | | | classic colon cancer symptoms. |