5 very early symptoms of Bowel Cancer that are easy to ignore

Bowel cancer is the malignant growth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum, often starting as a non-cancerous polyp that turns cancerous over time. One of the most common types of Cancer, the condition however, remains treatable, if detected early. However, most people commonly dismiss first signs of bowel cancer, because these symptoms appear as normal, or trivial digestive issues. Patients who recognise early warning signs of the disease, achieve better treatment outcomes because they receive their diagnosis early. Here are 5 very early symptoms of Bowel Cancer that are easy to ignore, (though they are not exclusive to the condition)

Bowel cancer in its initial stage, produces alterations to your typical bowel movements pattern. The frequency of your bowel movements deviates from its usual pattern, because you either visit the bathroom more frequently, or less often. People who have bowel cancer may experience diarrhea, constipation or observe their stools becoming thinner and narrower than usual. They may also sometimes experience incomplete bowel movements after using the toilet. Patients commonly dismiss these symptoms, because they appear faintly or alternate in intensity, and they attribute them to diet or stress. Medical evaluation should start when bowel changes persist beyond three weeks, despite absence of other symptoms.

Bowel cancer symptoms can manifest as blood in stool or rectal bleeding, yet the blood might be invisible to human eyes. The presence of blood in stools causes the color to become dark brown or black. People commonly dismiss this symptom, because they believe it stems from harmless conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Any strange bleeding however, should be evaluated by a doctor. Early cancer detection leads to better treatment possibilities and patient results, therefore you should seek medical help whenever you observe even slight blood indications.

Bowel cancer can also present itself through unexplained tiredness or weakness, which lacks any apparent medical explanation. This occurs because slow internal bleeding within the bowel produces anemia, which results in tiredness, as the body loses red blood cells that transport oxygen. A decrease in red blood cells leads to weak muscles along with breathing difficulties. Inform your doctor if you experience prolonged fatigue, along with bowel symptoms. A single blood test enables doctors to identify anemia, while determining its original cause.

Bowel cancer can produce early symptoms through gentle abdominal pain, cramps and bloating in the stomach region. People usually treat their stomach upset or indigestion discomfort with over-the-counter drugs because they interpret it as harmless stomach issues. However, the development of a tumor leads to worsening abdominal pain or swelling, which creates a heavy sensation due to organ pressure and blockages. Medical evaluation at an early stage becomes essential to detect the source, and initiate treatment if necessary.

Weight loss without any dieting, functions as an indicator for several medical conditions including bowel cancer. The presence of bowel cancer often results in decreased hunger and digestive system variations that cause patients to lose weight. Some individuals might dismiss weight loss because it progresses gradually. The combination of unexplained weight loss with bowel changes, fatigue and pain demands immediate medical evaluation. If weight loss occurs without a reason, healthcare professional evaluations will assist in determining the presence of serious health issues at their initial stages.

Reference Links

Cancer Research UK - Symptoms of bowel cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer/symptoms

NHS - Symptoms of bowel cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/symptoms/

American Cancer Society - Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

Bowel Cancer UK - Signs and symptoms of bowel cancer: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/

National Cancer Institute - Possible Signs of Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults: https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/colorectal-cancer-young-people-warning-signs

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice