Colon cancer symptoms that often appear without pain

About 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer were reported in 2020, claiming 930,000 lives, according to the WHO data. Colon cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, is predicted to kill 1.6 million individuals per year by 2040. This is a 73% increase from the present scenarios. What is more alarming is that colon cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in young people. Early diagnosis is crucial for the best treatment options, outcomes, and survival. Here are some of the warning symptoms of colon cancer that go beyond abdominal pain.

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If you see blood in your poop, it is a red flag. Rectal bleeding is a hallmark sign of colon cancer. Studies have linked rectal bleeding as predictive of colorectal cancer. This sign often goes unnoticed or dismissed. If you notice blood stains on the toilet paper or in the poop, you must get it evaluated. The presence of dark or bright red patches in the poop could be rectal bleeding.

Another significant sign is any unexplained changes in your bowel habits. These changes could be constipation, diarrhea, narrowing, or frequency of your poop. If these changes persist for more than a couple of days, it is a red flag. Studies have confirmed that colorectal patients often complain of changes in bowel habits. This sign easily gets dismissed as a change in diet or another less serious illness. But if you notice this, it is important to consult a doctor. Early detection can make a major difference in treatment outcomes, so don’t ignore ongoing changes in your digestive patterns

Fatigue is one of the most mistaken signs of illness. People often link constant fatigue to laziness or inadequate sleep. But chronic fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep, is a warning sign. Chronic tiredness, weakness, or dizziness may result from slow blood loss and anemia. It is important to understand that fatigue is not normal. The lack of energy could be connected to colon cancer, which is why you should talk to your doctor, especially if accompanied by other signs.

Weight loss is often an early symptom of colon cancer. If you notice sudden weight loss, it should not be dismissed. Unexplained weight loss, especially without any change in your diet or fitness levels, is a warning sign. You must talk to your doctor if you drastically lose weight.

Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and may prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body over time.


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Another warning sign, which is often disregarded for poor bathroom habits, is the feeling of incomplete defecation. Do you feel like the bowel is not empty, even after pooping? This is a warning sign. It is ‘not just a feeling’ and could be more than a digestive issue. This feeling may also stem from a blockage in your colon or tumor growth. So it is important to consult a doctor.

Intervening in early stages can help get better treatment. Thus, if one notices these symptoms, they should consult with a healthcare professional.

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​This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition​

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