6 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BOWEL CANCER
The 6 most common signs and symptoms of bowel cancer are:
- A change in bowel habits: This could mean having diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two. It could also mean having a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely after a bowel movement.
- Blood in the stool: This can be bright red or dark, and it can be mixed in with the stool or seen on the toilet paper.
- A lump in the abdomen: This can be felt in the lower abdomen, around the belly button, or in the rectum.
- Unexplained weight loss: This means losing more than 10 pounds without trying to lose weight.
- Tiredness: This is a feeling of fatigue or lack of energy that doesn’t go away with rest.
- Anemia: This is a condition where your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to your body’s tissues, so if you have anemia, you may feel tired, short of breath, or lightheaded.
It’s important to note that not everyone with bowel cancer will experience these symptoms. Some people may have no symptoms at all. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away to get checked out.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, after breast and lung cancer. It’s also the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. However, it’s important to remember that bowel cancer is highly treatable if it’s found early. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor about screening for bowel cancer if you’re at increased risk.
The risk factors for bowel cancer include:
- Age: The risk of bowel cancer increases with age. Most cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50.
- Family history: If you have a family history of bowel cancer, you’re at increased risk.
- Personal history: If you’ve had polyps in your colon or rectum, you’re at increased risk.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase the risk of bowel cancer.
- Diet: A diet high in red meat and processed foods increases the risk of bowel cancer.
- Lack of physical activity: People who are physically inactive are at increased risk of bowel cancer.
If you’re at increased risk of bowel cancer, talk to your doctor about screening. Screening can help find bowel cancer early, when it’s most treatable.