What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer runs in the family. I have known all my life but now that I am hitting middle age I find getting screened is of paramount importance. Today, I want to go over some of the reasons why getting a screening can be the most important decision of your life. And if you have not been screened I want to share with you what the symptoms of colon cancer are, and how to spot them in time. Just the word cancer is scary, and learning a little about how to prevent it is well worth your time. Please read ahead for my findings during my research on this important subject in the following article titled What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colon cancer develops when tumorous growths develop in the large intestine.The colon, or large intestine, is where the body draws out water and salt from solid wastes. The waste then moves through the rectum and exits the body through the anus. Rectal cancer originates in the rectum, which is the final several inches of the large intestine, closest to the anus. While colorectal cancer sounds clear-cut, there’s actually more than one type of cancer. Such differences have to do with the types of cells that turn cancerous as well as where they form. The most common type of colon cancer starts from adenocarcinomas. According to the American Cancer Society, adenocarcinomas make up 96 percent of all colon cancer cases. Unless your doctor specifies otherwise, your colon cancer is likely this type. Adenocarcinomas form within mucus cells in either the colon or rectum.

But what are the symptoms of colorectal cancer that you should watch out for? First look for a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days, and a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so. Next, Rectal bleeding with bright red blood is a tell-tale sign of colorectal cancer. Also look for blood in the stool, which may make the stool look dark. Also common are Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain, weakness and fatigue, and unintended weight loss. At times, symptoms of colorectal cancer may not show up until the cancer has advanced. Because symptoms can go unnoticed during the early stages of the disease, guidelines recommend colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. But, for me, I started getting screenings last year, when I turned 45. You really can’t be too safe when it comes to any kind of cancer. 

There are different ways of assigning a stage to cancer. The stages indicate how far a cancer has spread and the size of any tumors. In colon cancer, the stages develop as follows: Stage 0: Also known as carcinoma in situ, at this point, the cancer is in a very early stage. It has not grown farther than the inner layer of the colon and will usually be easy to treat. Stage 1: The cancer has grown into the next layer of tissue but has not reached the lymph nodes or any other organs. Stage 2: The cancer has reached the outer layers of the colon, but it has not spread beyond the colon. Stage 3: The cancer has grown through the outer layers of the colon, and it has reached one to three lymph nodes. It has not spread to distant sites, however. Stage 4: The cancer has reached other tissues beyond the wall of the colon. As stage 4 progresses, colon cancer reaches distant parts of the body.

Becoming aware of your cancer before it reaches any of the later stages is truly the key to surviving this. And, the only way to learn you have colorectal cancer is by getting screened by a medical professional. The important thing to consider about colorectal cancer is that the symptoms may be minor or non-existent during the early stages of the disease, although there may be some early warning signs. The symptoms won’t show themselves until it’s too late, it’s just as simple as that. So, whether it’s a family member or friend that needs to hear this advice, or you yourself, heed the warnings and go out and get tested today.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/health-and-wellness/what-are-the-symptoms-of-colorectal-cancer/