Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: Colorectal cancer is increasingly becoming a serious health challenge worldwide. The surprising thing is that now its cases are increasing not only among the elderly but also among the young people. In the initial stage, this disease mostly progresses without any specific symptoms or shows such mild changes that people ignore it considering it to be a normal stomach problem. A study by JAMA Network suggests that certain characteristics are strongly associated with early onset of colorectal cancer.

Why is timely identification important?

According to the American Cancer Society, if colorectal cancer is caught in the early stages and the disease is limited to one part of the body, the patient’s chance of survival for 5 years is about 90 percent. But as it starts spreading in the body, this figure drops rapidly. About 73 percent in the regional stage and only 13 percent if the cancer has spread far, hence timely identification is very important.

Early detection is the only treatment

If colorectal cancer is caught at the right time, there are better treatment options, less recurrence and the chances of complete recovery increase significantly. Doctors say that many initial signs can be seen in your stool itself. Know those important symptoms which should not be ignored at all:

stool that looks thin or pencil-like

If your stool suddenly starts becoming thin, ribbon-like or pencil-like and this change persists for several days, it could be a warning. The American Cancer Society says that this happens when the tumor narrows the inner part of the intestines. According to Mayo Clinic, in such a situation the stool gets less space to come out, hence it starts looking thin.

appearance of mucus in stool

The intestines normally produce a small amount of mucus, but if the amount increases and a visibly sticky or gel-like substance appears on the stool, it may be a sign of a problem. NCBI medical guidelines also consider mucus or blood from the anus as a warning sign.

blood in stool

Blood in the stool, whether bright red or black, is considered the most common early sign of colorectal cancer. According to research, some form of bleeding is seen in about 50 to 60 percent of patients in the initial stage. Although piles, fissures or infection may also cause bleeding, frequent or persistent bleeding should never be taken lightly, especially when other symptoms are also seen.

persistent diarrhea or constipation

Frequent diarrhea, constipation or frequent changes between the two are also a warning sign. Moffitt Cancer Center says that if such problem is seen continuously in people above 50 years of age, then colon examination becomes necessary. If this problem persists for several days or weeks, then it is important to get a colonoscopy done in time.

Why are youth also coming at increasing risk?

A large analysis published in The Lancet Oncology has shown that colorectal cancer is increasing rapidly in the age group of 25 to 49 years, and its cases are seen increasing in 27 out of 50 countries. According to MDPI, excessive use of antibiotics at an early age, highly processed food, obesity and poor lifestyle are considered to be the main reasons for this. Experts believe that if people pay attention to timely screening and lifestyle improvements, then the increasing cases can be stopped to a great extent.

Read this also- Early Signs Of Kidney: Before kidney damage, symptoms of the disease are visible in the eyes, if you know then your life will be saved.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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IBS (Irritable Bowell Syndrome) and colon cancer are both digestive system diseases and both of them may have the same symptoms like abdominal pain, gas formation, and changes in hypocrisy. But these two are completely different diseases. IBS is a long disease that affects the way your intestine functions, but it is not fatal. At the same time, colon cancer is a serious disease, in which the cells of colon or rectum begin to increase unusual and uncontrolled growth. Understanding both of them alike can delay the right treatment, so it is important to understand the difference between them.

Causes of colon cancer and IBS

IBS is considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which means that it does not cause any visible damage to the colon, but affects the functioning of the muscles and nerves of the intestine. Due to this, stress, anxiety, some eating can lead to allergies, infections or hormonal changes. The real reasons for this are not yet fully understood, but it is believed that there is a disturbance in communication between the brain and the intestine.

At the same time, colon cancer is caused by genetic mutation, which causes uncontrolled growth of cells. It usually begins as small and non-cancerous polyps in the colon layer, which can turn into cancer over time. Its risk -enhancing reasons include age (especially above 45 years), red meat and processed meat eating habit, passive lifestyle, smoking, alcohol intake, history of colon cancer in the family, and some inflamed intestinal diseases.

Symptoms of colon cancer

Early symptoms of colon cancer are light and gradually increasing. This includes frequent changes in the habits of the digestive system, such as diarrhea or constipation, dilution of stool, bleeding in stool, losing weight without reason, and frequent fatigue. These symptoms deteriorate over time and are not associated with stress or food.

Difference in abdominal pain

In IBS, abdominal pain is like cramps and is usually felt in the lower abdomen. This pain is reduced by gas or dismantling. The pain continues to decrease throughout the day and sometimes there is a hurry to go to the toilet immediately.

There is pain in colon cancer when cancer has increased. It feels like persistent and pressure, which is not less than a philanthropist. Sometimes you feel full in the stomach or rectum, especially when the tumor is closing the path of the intestine.

Fatigue and weight loss, why is it a matter of danger?

The weight in IBS usually remains stable, unless the person avoids eating too much or does not eat less. Fatigue can be caused by stress or lack of sleep, but it is not directly a symptom of IBS. At the same time, without loss of weight and frequent fatigue are the main signs of colon cancer. Cancer cells consume the energy of the body, causing weakness and fatigue. So if the weight is losing and you are feeling very tired, then it should not be ignored.

When should you see a doctor?

If your age is above 45 or symptoms of IBS suddenly change such as frequent constipation or diarrhea, blood in stool, losing weight without reason, see a doctor immediately. Colonoscopy or other tests can confirm or reject colon cancer. Timely investigation can make the treatment of cancer successful.

Also read this: There are repeated mouth blisters, if you do not lack this vitamin?

Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.

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