Colon cancer usually affects older patients although it can happen at any age. There are many signs to look for and share with your doctor. Unfortunately, there are usually no early signs of this disease, only very subtle ones. Keep track of your bowel habits as these are the most noticeable ones for you to track. What are the early signs of colon cancer?
Regular Screening Is Good Practice
If you have any risk factors for colon cancer, you should begin screening at age 40. Otherwise age 45 is acceptable. Talk with Colorectal Surgical Associates about your individual risk factors and when you should begin screening with a colonoscopy.
During this test precancerous polyps are removed before they can become cancerous.
You Are Best at Noticing Changes
Bowel habits will be affected first. Have there been changes in the size, color, or consistency of your stools? Notice things like whether their size has changed. Have they gotten smaller or thinner? Has the color changed? Are you going more now or less than before?
Only you know what your “normal” is.
Feeling like you are constipated and then have diarrhea is another problem to discuss with your doctor or if you feel like you can’t finish emptying your bowels.
Bleeding and Mucus in Your Stool
This can be a serious issue. You may not see red blood, but it could be a darker stool or you could see some blood after wiping. Let Colorectal Surgical Associates know about this.
Bloating and Gas
One of the classic signs of colon cancer can be feeling bloated and frequently passing gas. These symptoms may be associated with cramps. These oftentimes are late symptoms created by an obstructed tumor in the colon. Bloating can be caused by the cancer growing to lymph nodes close by.
Nausea and Vomiting
These symptoms can be from late stage cancer caused by an obstruction. Be advised that having nausea and vomiting alone without any other signs is not likely a cause of colon cancer.
Additional Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Other signs of colon cancer can be:
- Losing weight without trying
- Unexplained weakness and fatigue
- Watery diarrhea for more than 24 hours
Schedule a Colon Cancer Consultation in Kansas City
Contact Colorectal Surgical Associates at (816) 941-0800 if you want to schedule a screening test for colon cancer in Kansas City or if you are having any concerning symptoms.