6 Silent Symptoms Of Colon Cancer to Never Ignore
Colon cancer, known also as colorectal cancer, is cancer that occurs in the colon or the rectum and spreads throughout the digestive system and onward.
If you’re concerned about this cancer, or your family has a history of it, it’s a good idea to be aware of the signs and symptoms that point to the development of this disease. But there are some lesser-known symptoms that you may be experiencing that you weren’t aware could point to the condition.
Some signs make themselves very obviously known, but some signs are quiet and do not show themselves as obviously. These are the types of symptoms that you need to be aware of.
Here Are 6 Silent Symptoms Of Colon Cancer To Never Ignore
1. Weight Loss
But this supposedly positive change is actually a very common symptom for colon cancer, as well as many other kinds of cancers. Weight loss is a fairly reliable science, so if you’re losing weight without changing up your diet or adding to physical activity, what you are experiencing is unexplained weight loss.
In almost all cases, unexplained weight loss is dangerous and typically points to something wrong within the body. If you’re losing, for example, 10 pounds and above within the span of half a year while maintaining the same habits as you did before the weight loss began, it’s a cause for concern.
Cancer, including colon cancer, uses up a lot of the energy within the body.
2. Abdominal Pain or Bloating
In addition, abdominal cramping that is so severe and painful it impairs daily function is worthy of a trip to the doctor’s. Cramps also should not last for very long periods, and if your issues last for over a week, you may want to get the problem checked.
Bloating is also a common symptom of colon cancer, but so easily overlooked due to how common bloating is. Again, usually, bloating doesn’t mean it’s game over. But long-lasting bloat is not healthy and should be examined.
You may also find that this bloating or the cramps are accompanied by more gas. This gassiness may last for multiple weeks on end. You may laugh at the higher levels of flatulence, but this doesn’t happen for no reason – a colon tumor may be backing up your bowels.
3. Anemia
But anemia suggests bleeding is occurring somewhere in the body. If it’s not visible externally, chances are there is some form of internal bleeding going on within the body. Colon cancer typically involves tumors bleeding, which can, in turn, cause iron deficiency and anemia.
You may think, if you’re anemic due to colon cancer, surely you’d notice some stool-related issues. But anemia can actually begin to show up even a full six months before you notice troubles in the bathroom.
You may not test as anemic when you have colon cancer, but you may still show signs of anemia, including:
- Paleness
- Exhaustion
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
4. Change in Stools
a) Thin Stools
This means there could be a tumor in your colon because the colon passageway is narrowing due to the mass on its walls. Speak to a doctor if your stools change shape suddenly and don’t revert back.
b) Consistency Change
c) Odd Colors
d) Bloody Stools
Even if it isn’t due to colon cancer, bloody stools are usually a sign that something is wrong, so talk to a medical professional.
e) Constipation
f) Tenesmus
5. Exhaustion
It’s difficult to think about what is causing severe tiredness, mainly because at that point, you’re functioning at only a percentage of your optimal level. You have little to no positive thinking. You’re struggling to perform and focus at work. Your immunity’s dropping and you feel sick.
But fatigue is different from sleepiness or tiredness.
Fatigue is a symptom of countless different diseases, so if it is getting in the way of your daily tasks even when you get as much rest as you can, it may be time to get yourself checked.
6. Night Sweats
Unlike the other signs we’ve mentioned, night sweats are systemic, not localized. This means they are often caused by immune system response, and not necessarily a direct product of colon cancer, says oncologist and medical doctor Raed Al-Rajabi. As the immune system struggles to fight the cancer, your body becomes inflamed and may develop a fever, and sweating is designed to cool you down.
Unfortunately, this means that night sweats are a common symptom of many different diseases. If you’re dealing with a sudden onslaught of night sweating that you’ve never had to deal with before, it doesn’t mean you’ll test positive for cancer – but it does mean a trip to your doctor is well-advised.
If night sweating is combined with the other symptoms on this list, and if it persists for a long period of time, you should go to a clinic or hospital to ensure it isn’t a sign of something more serious. Night sweating alone is not indicative of a severe problem but is still worth looking into.
Final Thoughts On Silent Symptoms Of Colon Cancer To Never Ignore
What happens if you notice any of these symptoms in yourself? Don’t panic! Practice positive thinking and take a visit to the doctor. Colon cancer is still relatively rare, and when caught early enough, it is treatable.
It is worth noting that different stages of colon cancer present different types of symptoms, becoming more severe as the condition progresses. As such, if you notice a few of these signs, or just one of them, but also have additional symptoms not mentioned here, you should aim to speak to a doctor.
Although being a hypochondriac about symptoms can feel like a waste of time, your health is incredibly important. Your life is worth more than enough to be worthy of the hassle of a doctor’s checkup. If you feel that something is wrong with your body, see a doctor. Even if it is not bowel cancer, there may be another issue. And if there isn’t – better safe than sorry!
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