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Colon cancer can appear at any time in your life. However, the exact cause is not known to doctors. We only know that changes occur in the cells and abnormal cells begin to multiply rapidly. Polyps form, which can later become cancerous.
Cancer can quickly spread to other organs
If you know it is cancer, it is important to act quickly and make an appointment with a doctor, because cancer cells can reach other organs and threaten their function. Therefore, pay attention to the first symptoms, because timely intervention can save your life. Factors that can affect the chance of developing this cancer include age, bowel disease, obesity, or smoking.
You should also watch out for a lack of exercise or other physical activity or for excessive alcohol consumption. These factors will only worsen your health, which can even progress to a cancerous stage. One of the main symptoms of colon cancer is constipation. If you suffer from it regularly and use laxatives, you have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Tumors in the colon can cause constipation. In this case, it’s better to visit a doctor.
The opposite problem is frequent diarrhea
Diarrhea that lasts for several weeks can be a symptom of colon cancer. It may be accompanied by bloating, nausea, or vomiting. Bloody stools are very common with intestinal problems. You may recognize a tumor by stool that is colored dark red to black.
The colon is also associated with a frequent urge to use the toilet. Pregnant women especially know this feeling, but if you have a tumor in the intestine, you will go very often and each time you will feel that you cannot completely empty yourself. The tumor is precisely what obstructs this, and it is necessary to address this issue with a specialist.
We all know abdominal pain. Most often it is from bad food or a cold. However, it is also among the symptoms that may indicate colon cancer. Abdominal pain can even spread to other organs. Wait a maximum of three days, and if the pain does not improve, visit a doctor.
Watch out for anemia or significant weight loss
When the number of red blood cells in the body decreases, a typically pale complexion appears. This is among the symptoms of anemia; others are shortness of breath, cold extremities, or an irregular heartbeat. An unexplained anemia may be a symptom of colon cancer. Anemia is caused by iron deficiency and deprives the body of necessary nutrients, especially in the digestive system.
Another important symptom that anyone will notice is weight loss. If you have not started losing weight intentionally but are noticing a loss of kilos, it is appropriate to find out whether you have a tumor in your body. Tumor growth leads to loss of appetite and consequently to weight loss. Weakness, fatigue, or swollen legs — these may be symptoms of a tumor that need to be addressed quickly. A lack of oxygen in the blood can cause this condition and also produce great fatigue.
Bloating is unpleasant, but if you struggle with it too often, it is appropriate to find out whether you have colon cancer. A tumor can block the intestinal tract, which leads to a bloated abdomen and a feeling of fullness. You can fight colon cancer in several ways. Add vegetables and fruit to your diet, stop smoking or consuming alcohol. Rather replace alcohol with regular exercise.
