Early Signs of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also known as bowel cancer, occurs when there is a growth of a malignant tumor in the colon. Early detection and treatment is the key to increasing the possibility of controlling or eliminating the cancer so that the patient can continue to live a normal life. There are many early signs, but unfortunately the symptoms typically go unnoticed until it is too late. Here are some tips for detecting the early signs of colon cancer.

Changes in Bowel Function

The early signs of colon cancer are typically associated with changes in bowel movements. These changes can include either constipation or diarrhea. An additional symptom is pain in the lower part of the abdomen. Unfortunately these types of changes may be thought to be associated with changes in diet, or the results of food related illness, and are not readily recognized as early signs of colon cancer.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Oftentimes people who are later diagnosed with colon cancer have experienced unexplained weight loss prior to their diagnosis with the disease. This unexplained weight loss usually occurs without there being any changes to the person’s diet or exercise regimen. The weight loss may be rapid, or may continue over a periods of years or months. However, unexplained weight loss, like the other symptoms, could be the symptom of a number of other conditions as well, so this is why it is so important to see a doctor.

Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is one of the most common early signs of colon cancer. This is usually a symptom of the colon cancer tumors being directly located in the rectum. The blood may be mixed with the stool or the rectum may bleed on its own without warning. Again this symptom can be overlooked as there is also a possibility that the rectal bleeding can be the result of hemorrhoids as well.

Detecting Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can also be detected and confirmed through the use of several medical tests. Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are the two medical procedures that are typically performed in order to detect its presence. A colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible fiber optic camera is inserted into the body via the anus. The doctor then views the output from the camera on a video screen and examines the video footage for abnormalities. Colon cleansing should be used as a preparatory method for the colonoscopy, and as a general preventative measure against colon cancer.

Curing Colon Cancer

The odds of curing the colon cancer, or at least of getting the cancer under control, increase with the earlier the cancer is detected. Some treatment options that are commonly offered include radiotherapy and chemotherapy, however these treatment options do not have a 100% success rate, and it really depends on the patient’s individual response to the therapy. In addition to this surgery is also done to remove the tumors, and the portion of the colon that is afflicted with cancer. This helps to decrease the risk of reoccurrence in many patients.