8 Warning Signs of Colon Cancer that You Should NEVER Ignore

8 Warning Signs of Colon Cancer that You Should NEVER Ignore Warning signs of colon cancer: The colon or large intestine is a part of the digestive system. It is present in the abdomen, below the stomach, and plays a vital role in producing and eliminating waste. The functions of the colon are divided into three parts i.e., absorbing water and nutrients, forming stool, and pushing it toward the rectum for excretion. In simple words, the colon vitally performs the function of the emptying stomach by making a stool. The person who eats processed meats and high-fat diets with fewer fruits and vegetables, have excessive alcohol consumption and lacks regular physical activity are more at risk of colon cancer. Some warning signs can indicate colon cancer. Let us study them in detail. 1. Abdominal pain: The first and foremost sign of colon cancer is abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen. This pain typically feels like a dull belly ache in the earlier stage. As colon cancer advances, the person suffers from cramps, bloating or acute pain. It becomes severe and persistent, and one should never ignore the symptoms. 2. Change in bowel habits: Do you experience a change in your bowel habits, including its frequency or size? It may be time to consult a healthcare provider because it can be an early sign of colon cancer. The patients suffer from frequent, looser stools and abdominal (tummy) pain. The symptoms of diarrhea remain persistent maybe exceeding six weeks. Further, when the size of a tumor in the colon is enlarged, it blocks the colon, which changes a person’s bowel movements. 3. A feeling that your bowel is not empty completely: A bowel that doesn't seem to empty completely is a warning sign of colon cancer. Dietary change, unpleasant food, or a viral/bacterial infection normally affects bowel habits. But in colon cancer, the person complains of a bowel that doesn't seem to empty completely, and he constantly feels the urge to go to the restroom. When cancer grows into the nerve supply of the bowel, it destroys muscle function and obstructs its passage. 4. Bleeding in stool: One of the most salient warning signs of colon cancer is bleeding in the stool. Usually, bleeding accompanies pain that happens slowly and continues or worsens over time. The blood is either bright or dark red, and feces is streaked or mixed with blood. 5. Change in stool consistency: Narrower stool than normal, even as thin as a pencil, is an early sign of colon cancer. The patient needs to go washroom more often in colon cancer and passes narrow, ribbon-like stools. Sometimes, the color of poo gets dark red or black due to bleeding, which indicates that cancer exceeds higher up the bowel. 6. Indefinite fatigue: People with colon cancer experience extreme tiredness and fatigue. It happens due to bleeding into the digestive tract, resulting in iron deficiency. Some people cannot differentiate it from common fatigue, but others may describe it as low energy level and chronic tiredness. 7. Air bubbles in urine: Appearing air bubbles in the urine is another warning sign of colon cancer. Medically, it is defined as Pneumaturia which can be a symptom of certain health conditions. It indicates that a bowel tumor has spread to neighboring tissue. We suggest you see your doctor if you pass foamy urine persistently for a noticeable over time because it may be a sign of protein in your urine (proteinuria). 8. Weight loss without trying: It may be a joyous moment to know that you shed some pounds after struggling hours of workout. But, sometimes, losing weight with no effort can be risky as it can be a sign of colon cancer. Cancer cells affect a person's immune system and release substances that change the energy-conversion process of food. Sometimes, the person doesn’t feel appetite, resulting in prominent weight loss. As mentioned above, an enlarged tumor may also block the colon, leading to inexplicable weight loss. #coloncancer #cancer #pain