Posted on 1 October, 2011
Early detection of this form of cancer is somewhat difficult to diagnose since the symptoms associated with it are similar to those which occur in the case of routine abdominal ailments like an irritated bowel or Diarrhea. Bowel Cancer or Colon Cancer is a cancer affecting the large intestines or colon and rectum in humans However, the human body does give certain indications when something is wrong. Same is the case here. When there is discomfort of any kind, look for the following: * Blood in the Stool - This is one sure shot indicator of something being wrong inside. It clearly hints at the stomach and intestinal tract right till the rectum. Associated indicators may be rectal bleeding, (which may be construed as a result of Piles), or the stool itself being reddish. This may also indicate the early stage of the cancer. * Diarrhea - Eating wrong, overindulgence and eating unhygienic food normally causes diarrhea. However, the human body has inbuilt mechanisms to get rid of the infection with normal medicine. In case this infection shows no signs of abating even after about three weeks, it needs to be investigated by a GP for the more serious cause. * Persistent Change in Bowel Habit?- An increased frequency in bowel movement coupled with looser stool for a long duration. More important is to look for pus and blood in the stool. The stool may also show thin stool rather than normal size. * Constipation - As the cancerous cells keep growing, they tend to start blocking the bowel. As a result there will be persistent pain on the abdomen. This may be accompanied with vomiting and a feeling of bloating in the area of the belly button. * Pain and Discomfort - Normally, when there is flatulence or stomach cramps, there is pain in the abdomen. In case of bowel cancer, the symptoms may flare up and pain may accompany during actual bowel movement also. * Anaemia - As the cancer cells grow, they cause internal bleeding which takes place during the bowel movement. As a result there is continuous loss of blood resulting in weakness, fatigue and breathlessness. * Weight Loss - This is a common phenomenon in mostly all forms of cancer. This is one of the initial symptoms, in addition to blood in the stools, diarrhea and persistent abdominal pain. * Fullness - A feeling of fullness makes a person want to pass stools in a short time from the last visit but no bowel movement takes place. There are other oncological diseases which may give similar symptoms and it is also not necessary that any or all of the symptoms mentioned above immediately point towards Bowel Cancer. However when in doubt, it is better to consult your GP and get to the root cause. Most Viewed in the Cancer Category (60 days) Most Published in the Cancer Category (60 days) |
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