According to Dr. Godwin Ofikwu, although colorectal cancer is commonly thought to be a disease of older people, approximately 2,400 people under the age of 50 are diagnosed with the disease in the United Kingdom each year. Rectal bleeding is one of the first signs of colon cancer. This blood may appear bright red or darker than usual, and it may be present in the stool. Although rectal bleeding is not always a sign of colorectal cancer, it should be taken seriously.
Most colorectal cancers have no symptoms when they are early in their development, but some can bleed and cause low red blood cell counts, which is known as anemia. Other symptoms of colon cancer include bowel changes, rectal bleeding, and sudden, unexplained weight loss. The good news is that colon cancer can be detected early and treated before it progresses. Early screening tests can detect precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they develop into cancer.
Some of the symptoms of colon cancer are barely noticeable. However, in some cases, people may experience mild GI upset, such as constipation or diarrhea. Some patients may develop constipation or diarrhea on a regular basis. Other symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stool and bowel incontinence. A doctor's visit is highly recommended for patients who exhibit these symptoms. Even if they are otherwise healthy, it is critical that they seek diagnosis as soon as possible.
Dr. Godwin Ofikwu explained that, the next stage is known as metastatic. This means that the colon cancer has spread to other organs. At this stage, the cancer has penetrated the mucosa and muscle layers of the colon but has not spread to other tissues. It has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Stage four colon cancer may not have any visible symptoms. Patients, on the other hand, should see a doctor as soon as they notice any changes in their bowel habits.
Another early sign of colon cancer is alternating constipation and diarrhea. This is an indication that your colon isn't working properly. It could be a simple infection or a symptom of a more serious disease. In addition, alternating constipation and diarrhea are early signs of colon cancer. You may also notice blood in your stool. All of these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that should be investigated by a doctor.
A doctor may advise surgery to treat colon cancer. Polyps form as a result of genetics, a high-red meat diet, and other risk factors. It takes five to ten years for them to develop into cancer. They can, however, be removed surgically. Regardless of treatment, patients must be vigilant about noticing symptoms and completing recommended screenings. These procedures can be difficult to perform, but they can save lives if caught early.
If you notice any of these early symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away. Early detection is critical. Colon cancer is more treatable if caught early. Early detection can also prevent many complications, such as delayed treatment or a misdiagnosis. Colon cancer can be a frightening diagnosis for women, so it's critical to be aware of the symptoms that indicate you may have colon cancer. Aside from colon cancer, adenomatous polyps are a significant risk factor. When these polyps grow and become cancerous, they may spread to other parts of the body, making the situation worse.
Dr. Godwin Ofikwu revealed that, although abdominal pain is a rare symptom of colon cancer, it can indicate an infection or bowel leakage. This pain is typically caused by a perforated colon or bowel contents leaking into the pelvis. In some cases, the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or nausea. Fortunately, many tests can detect colon polyps in their early stages. The American Cancer Society recommends detecting polyps before symptoms appear. This allows the polyps to be removed before they spread to other parts of the body.
Obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol, and sedentary lifestyles are all significant risk factors for colon cancer. To maintain optimal digestive health, eat a fiber-rich diet and exercise on a regular basis. You should also try to limit your consumption of red and processed meat, as these are linked to the development of colon cancer. Those suffering from this condition should avoid red meat, processed meat, and soda.