Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, refers to the growth of malignant cells in the colon or rectum. It is a common type of cancer that affects both men and women and is often diagnosed in people over the age of 50. Understanding the symptoms of colorectal cancer is important as early detection is crucial for successful treatment and cure.
Common Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer:
- Change in bowel habits: This includes experiencing diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of the stools. These changes may persist for several days or longer and may be accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping.
- Rectal bleeding: This refers to the presence of bright red blood in the stools or on the toilet paper. This may be an early sign of colorectal cancer and is often accompanied by abdominal pain.
- Abdominal pain: This can be a dull ache or a sharp pain that is felt in the lower abdomen. The pain may be constant or intermittent and may be accompanied by bloating or swelling.
- Weakness and fatigue: This is a common symptom of colorectal cancer and may be due to the cancer cells using up a lot of the body's energy.
- Unexplained weight loss: This is a common symptom of colorectal cancer and may be due to the body's inability to absorb nutrients properly or due to the cancer using up a lot of the body's energy.
- Anemia: This refers to a low red blood cell count and can cause weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Less Common Symptoms
The following are less common symptoms of colorectal cancer:
- Constipation or difficulty passing stools: This can be due to a blockage in the colon or rectum caused by a tumor.
- Nausea and vomiting: This can be due to the cancer pressing on the stomach or due to the release of chemicals from the cancer cells into the bloodstream.
- Abdominal swelling: This can be due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen caused by the cancer.
- Jaundice: This refers to yellowing of the skin and eyes and can be due to the cancer blocking the bile ducts.
- Back pain: This can be due to the cancer pressing on the nerves in the back or due to the spread of the cancer to the bones.
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other types of cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor who can help determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Early Detection
Early detection is key in the successful treatment of colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at the age of 45, or earlier if there is a family history of the disease. Screening tests can help detect colorectal cancer early, when it is more treatable, and can also help prevent the development of colorectal cancer by detecting and removing precancerous growths.
Screening tests for colorectal cancer include:
- Fecal occult blood test: This test checks for hidden blood in the stools, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer.
- Colonoscopy: This is an exam that allows the doctor to look inside the entire colon using a flexible, lighted tube. It is considered one of the most effective screening tests for colorectal cancer as it allows the doctor to not only detect cancer, but also precancerous growths, called polyps, which can be removed during the exam.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is similar to a colonoscopy, but only examines the lower portion of the colon.
- Stool DNA test: This is a test that checks for abnormal DNA in the stools, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer.
- Barium enema: This test involves filling the colon with a chalky liquid and X-ray images are taken to check for any abnormalities. It is important to talk to your doctor about which screening test is best for you based on your individual health history and risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, colorectal cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, from common symptoms such as changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding, to less common symptoms such as abdominal swelling and back pain. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and there are several screening tests available to help detect colorectal cancer early. If you are experiencing any symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor who can help determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
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