Let’s find out ‘Signs Of Colon Cancer- How Do I Know I Have Colon Cancer?’ A whopping one in every 25 persons may get colon cancer over their lifetime. Currently, it ranks as the second most frequent reason for cancer fatalities in the US.
Today, we are aware that colon cancer is being discovered in an even younger population, with patients under the age of 50 accounting for 10% of all new cases.
Recent changes to screening recommendations suggest that patients without a family history of colorectal cancer should start getting screened at age 45. Discover the symptoms by reading on.
Can You Have Colon Cancer And Not Know It?
Due to the fact that early malignancies sometimes show no symptoms, it is fairly rare to have colon cancer and be unaware of it. This frequently occurs as a result of the tumours being so little that they don’t produce any obvious signs like pain, bleeding, or intestinal obstruction. Cancer may also not always be considered as a potential cause of symptoms in younger patients early in the workup.
What Lifestyle Choices Can Lower Your Risk Of Getting Colorectal Cancer?
We are aware that eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a lower risk of getting colon and rectal cancer. We also know that diets heavy in processed meat, such as hotdogs and lunch meat, as well as red meat, such as beef, hog, and lamb, are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, smoking is linked to a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
What Are Symptoms Of Colon Cancer?
Unfortunately, there are frequently no early indicators. Bleeding during bowel movements may be misinterpreted for hemorrhoids in people with colon cancer on the left side of the body. People may also mistakenly diagnose new bloating or bowel problems as IBS or constipation when they actually have a tumor that is blocking their intestines. Unexpected or unexplained weight loss may also be a sign of generalized cancer.
What Should You Know If You’re Newly Diagnosed With Colon Cancer?
After a diagnosis, a patient should inquire with their doctor about the disease’s stage. This typically involves a discussion of the colon cancer’s involvement, as well as the lymph nodes nearby and any other organs in the chest or abdomen. A colorectal surgeon and possibly a GI medical oncologist can be recommended for a patient based on the results of the initial CT scans.
Patients should ensure that the proper genetic testing is carried out if there is a significant family history of colon or rectal cancer. They should also inquire as to whether testing for the most prevalent genetic markers of colon cancer has been done on their specific tumor or biopsy material. What chemotherapeutic agents may be effective can frequently be determined by the presence or absence of these markers. Finally, they should ask their doctor or oncologist about any support programs that might be available at their cancer center to help them process their new diagnosis because receiving a cancer diagnosis can result in a great deal of stress and/or financial burden.
Are Colonoscopies Important?
The removal of colon polyps before they turn into cancer helps prevent colon and rectal malignancies, making colorectal cancer screening extremely essential. Before they spread, early malignancies can also be removed endoscopically.
Patients should begin screening at the recommended age, which is 45 for those without a strong family history of colon or rectal cancer and maybe earlier for those with such a history (discussion of the age of first screening, and screening modality can be discussed with your primary care, physician or gastroenterologist).
Your gastroenterologist will be able to advise you on what follow-up screening options are available and how frequently you will need to follow up based on the results of the initial colonoscopy.
