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Bowel Colon Cancer Symptoms
In most cases colon cancer symptoms, bowel cancer symptoms, colorectal cancer symptoms and rectal cancer symptoms refer to the same. There is now a lot of evidence suggesting a link between diet and the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancers usually do not cause any apparent symptoms in the early stages. Thus, regular checkups are the key to early detection and cure. Colon cancer symptoms may appear after the cancer has damaged the bowel wall or spread to the lymph nodes. It is important to note that it is still curable.
What are the symptoms and signs of bowel colon cancer?
Following are the potential colon / bowel cancer symptoms:
- The earliest colon cancer symptom is often bleeding from the back passage.
- Later changes include loss of the normal form of bowel motions sometimes followed by diarrhoea. Constipation can also occur.
- If the cancer partially blocks the bowel then periodic lower abdominal pains may result which last for a few minutes each. In case of full blockage, there is severe abdominal pain along with vomiting. This is followed by constipation. This is a serious condition and the patient must be immediately admitted to the hospital as prolonged condition may cause the body tissue to rot.
- Bowel/Colon cancers cause blood in the stools or from the back passage is a cause for concern. However, most bleeding of this sort is from piles. Cancers of the rectum typically cause rectal bleeding, which can easily be mistaken for bleeding haemorrhoids (piles). Other symptoms include the feeling that you haven't fully emptied your bowel accompanied by a need to frequently empty the bowel. Loss of appetite and weight loss tend to be late features in bowel cancer.
- Anaemia - the loss of blood through the bowel can cause anaemia. This in turn can cause tiredness and shortness of breath.
- Other bowel cancer symptoms may include abdominal pain and weight loss.
A person who has any of these colorectal cancer symptoms, particularly if they are over the age of 45, should seek medical advice.
The duration of survival after developing colon or rectal cancer is determined predominantly by two factors, the stage (how advanced it is) of the disease and the treatment given. Early tumours confined to the bowel are cured by surgery in about 90% of cases. Tumours that have spread to the liver are seldom curable.
Cancer Tip |
Fruit and vegetable consumption may not significantly reduce breast cancer risk, but fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals and antioxidants that may be protective against other cancers and heart disease. A minimum of five servings per day is recommended.
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Health Tip |
Using a computer may help to improve reflex actions and fine muscle control, which may help you regain dexterity and coordination.
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Mesothelioma Information
