Colon Cancer Symptoms: What is Your Body Trying to Say?

Colon cancers can affect the colon or rectum and develop slowly over several years. It may begin as small non-cancerous clumps of cells called polyps. These can turn into cancer if they grow large enough to crowd out healthy tissue, or if they become malignant (cancerous).

Over 100,000 Malaysians are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, making it the second most common cancer in that country after breast cancer. It is a disease that affects people of all ages, genders, and races. As a result, early detection is important for increased survival rates.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a type of colon and rectal cancer that starts once the cancer cells start to form a mass or tumour. These cancerous cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

The risk of developing colorectal cancer can be affected by a number of factors, according to the National Cancer Institute. Among these are:

• Age

• Genetics

• Lifestyle

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Obesity

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of colon cancer is crucial for better outcomes and improved survival rates. Although the early stages of colon cancer may not show any warning signs, some common symptoms in the advanced stages include:

Changes in Bowel Habits

When it comes to our health, it's important to pay attention to any changes in our body, no matter how small they may seem. One symptom that often goes overlooked among colon cancer patients is the changes in bowel habits, which can be a sign of colon cancer. 

This can include going to the toilet more often and passing loose stools than usual, often accompanied by blood on or in the stools. While these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, it's important not to ignore them and to seek medical advice.

Rectal Bleeding

It can be frightening to find blood in your stool or on your toilet paper after using the restroom. Rectal bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions, but it can also be a sign of colon cancer. Unlike haemorrhoids or anal fissures, patients with colon cancer usually do not experience pain when passing blood in their stool.

It's important to note that age is a significant factor in determining the potential cause of rectal bleeding. If someone aged 60 or older experiences rectal bleeding, it's considered a red flag for colon cancer until proven otherwise.

Sudden Weight Loss

Weight loss is often celebrated as a positive change, but when it happens unexpectedly, it can suggest a serious health problem, like colon cancer.

Unexplained weight loss, defined as losing 5% of your total body weight in six to twelve months without making any dietary or exercise changes, is a concerning symptom that should not be ignored. 

Abdominal Discomfort

Abdominal discomfort can be a tricky symptom to identify since it can easily be mistaken for other conditions. However, persistent stomach pain, bloating, and a feeling of fullness without eating are all signs that something could be wrong.

Patients may also experience cramping or pelvic pain, which can lead to misdiagnosis for other conditions like acid reflux and inflammatory bowel disease if not thoroughly examined.

Loss of Appetite and Fatigue

Dealing with cancer can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. Some patients may experience a loss of appetite, leading to weight loss or anorexia, which can be alarming.

Another symptom is fatigue, which is not just the regular tiredness that we all experience after a long day. Cancer-related fatigue can be paralysing and persist even after treatment is over. It can last for a few months or even longer.

Regular Colon Cancer Screening

Early detection is important for better outcomes and improved survival rates. Regular screening tests for colon cancer, including colonoscopies, are essential, particularly for those at higher risk of developing colon cancer.

It's important to talk to your doctor about when you should start getting screened, as well as any lifestyle changes to prevent colon cancer. By being aware of these common symptoms, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the disease.

How to Treat Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer treatment is different from person to person and is determined by the stage of the disease. 

Cancerous growths or tumours in the colon are frequently removed surgically, while chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be used to kill cancer cells. To ensure that all cancer cells are destroyed, a combination of treatments may be recommended in some cases.

If you notice any of these symptoms of colon cancer, you should check with your doctor as soon as possible. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can have a better chance of beating this disease.