Colon cancer develops within the large intestine although it primarily affects older adults yet anyone remains at risk for this disease. Medical professionals can extend patient survival through treatments that become effective when colon cancer gets detected in its early stages. People commonly fail to recognize symptoms because they believe their symptoms stem from ordinary stomach problems or hemorrhoids. People who understand early colon cancer symptoms will seek medical attention promptly and receive proper care when required. People over 50 should get checked to find these polyps early at Comprehensive Hematology Oncology.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. These are parts of the large intestine. Many times, the cancer starts as small growths called polyps inside the colon. At first, these polyps are not dangerous. But if they stay for many years, they can become cancer. Once that happens, the cancer can grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors don’t always know why people get this cancer. But some things make the risk higher. These include getting older, having someone in the family with this cancer, eating a lot of unhealthy food, being overweight, smoking, and having long-term stomach or bowel problems. Doctors at Comprehensive Hematology Oncology say people over 50 should get checked to find these polyps early.
Signs of Colorectal Cancer
The signs can be different for each person. It depends on where the cancer is and how big it is. Here are some things to watch for:
Going to the Toilet Changes
A person may notice they have diarrhea or constipation for a few days or more. They might feel like they still need to go even after going. The poop may look thin or narrow. If this keeps happening, a doctor should be seen.
Blood in the Stool
Some people see blood when they go to the toilet. The blood might be bright red or dark. It’s easy to think this is piles, but if it happens again and again, it could be something more serious. When cancer grows, it can hurt the inside of the intestine and cause bleeding. This makes the body lose blood and feel tired. Doctors say not to ignore blood in the poop.
Stomach Pain
If cancer is growing, it can cause pain or a strange feeling in the stomach. It may even block the intestine. This might cause swelling, vomiting, or not passing gas. If that happens, it’s important to go to the hospital right away.
Losing Weight Without Trying
If someone is losing weight without trying, this could be a warning sign. Cancer can make the body lose energy. Doctors in Tampa Bay say if someone has stomach problems and is losing weight, they should go to the doctor.
Always Feeling Tired
If the body keeps losing blood, it can lead to low iron. That can make someone feel very tired. Some people think they’re just busy or getting older, but this kind of tiredness can be from cancer.
Always Feeling the Need to Go
Some people feel like they need to go to the toilet over and over, even when they don’t really need to. This happens because the cancer makes the intestine feel full.
Gas, Bloating, or Feeling Full
If a person feels gassy, bloated, or full all the time and these feelings don’t go away, it might be a sign of cancer. These feelings may come along with other signs like weight loss or poop changes.
Thin Poop
If the poop looks thinner than usual and it happens often, it may mean something is blocking the colon. That could be a tumor. It might come with pain or bleeding.
When to Go to the Doctor
Many of these signs can happen with other health problems too. But it’s better to be safe. You should go to the doctor if: You notice poop changes that last many days. You see blood in your poop. You feel very tired or lose weight. You have strong stomach pain. Doctors in Tampa say early check-ups give people a better chance to get treated before cancer spreads. Even if you feel okay, if you are over 50 or someone in your family had this cancer, get checked.
Tests for Colorectal Cancer
If a doctor thinks someone might have this cancer, they will do tests like:
Colonoscopy
A doctor uses a small camera on a thin tube to look inside the colon. They can also take a small sample to check for cancer.
Stool Test
This test looks for hidden blood in the poop.
CT Scan
This test takes pictures of the colon and can help the doctor see if anything looks strange.
Blood Tests
These look for signs that might mean cancer is there. One thing they check is CEA. That can be high in some people with cancer.
The team at Comprehensive Hematology Oncology says these tests help find cancer early, which makes treatment easier.
How to Lower the Risk
There are things people can do to lower their chance of getting colorectal cancer:
Eat Healthy Food
More fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help. Try not to eat too much red meat or food with chemicals.
Be Active
Move your body more. Walk, play, or do exercises.
No Smoking
Smoking makes many health problems worse, including cancer.
Less Alcohol
Drinking too much is not good. Try to drink less or not at all.
Stay at a Good Weight
Being too heavy makes your risk higher.
Regular Check-Ups
If you are 50 or older or have family history of cancer, get checked.
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer has a serious nature but can be managed when discovered early. You should never ignore signs like blood in stool, changes in stool, stomach pain, unintentional weight loss, or fatigue. Doctors in Tampa, FL know how to find and treat this cancer. If your family matches the risk of a reasonable diagnosis, then cautious measures should be taken. The team at Comprehensive Hematology Oncology states having a healthy lifestyle while partaking in regular health checks can help individuals manage risk. Regular health visits are important, and receiving intervention before a disease escalates can serve as the prevention needed. Don’t take your health for granted, if you think there is something wrong, don’t wait and seek guidance.
If you or a loved one are facing symptoms or need a check-up, please contact us today. We are here to help.