What are the first signs of having colon cancer?
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What are the first signs of having colon cancer?
Symptoms
- A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely.
- Weakness or fatigue.
What are 6 symptoms of colon cancer?
6 Early Warning Symptoms of Colon Cancer
- Bleeding. Watch out for bright red rectal bleeding or dark, tarry stools, which could indicate the presence of blood.
- Stomach pain. Look for persistent abdominal pain, discomfort, or bloating.
- Change in bowel habits.
- Tenesmus.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue/weakness.
How long does colon cancer take to show symptoms?
The tendency to get the disease may be hereditary, that is, it may run in families. A polyp in your colon can take as many as 10 years to become cancerous. Colorectal cancer is difficult to find without regular screening and often does not cause symptoms until it’s already well developed.
What kind of pain does colon cancer cause?
“Colon cancer typically presents as a dull belly ache, if anything at all,” Dr. Ali says. In the more advanced stages of colon cancer, the pain may feel cramp-like or similar to bloat. Pain that is persistent and severe can be a sign of colon cancer and should never be overlooked.
How can I check my colon at home?
At-home screening options
- FIT: The fecal immunochemical test, or FIT, uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool, and it’s about 79% accurate at detecting colon cancer.
- Cologuard: A pricier option than FIT, Cologuard is about 92% accurate at detecting colorectal cancer.
Which fruit is good for colon?
Top fruits for colon health
| Fruit | Serving size |
|---|---|
| Berries such as raspberries, strawberries and blueberries | 1 cup |
| Banana | One medium fruit (about 6 inches long) |
| Orange | One medium fruit |
| Grapefruit | ½ of a medium fruit |
What foods irritate your colon?
There are certain foods that can contribute to inflammation in the colon. Red meat, fried foods, refined sugar and carbohydrates, alcohol and coffee can all contribute to inflammation.
How do I know if my colon is healthy?
What’s An Unhealthy Colon?
- Hard stool.
- Bloating, inability to pass gas, abdominal swelling or pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Feeling like your bowel is not empty.
- Blood in your stool.
