Two 'innocent' symptoms that can signal cancer
What are the signs of colon cancer (photo: Freepik)
Doctors raise alarm as the number of cases of colorectal cancer among people under 50 is unprecedentedly increasing. Physicians urge people to pay attention to two symptoms that indicate this type of oncology, Dailymail reports.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
Gastroenterologist and oncologist James Cleary stated that fatigue and unintended weight loss may be signs of a disease often called the "silent killer." He advised people to undergo a colonoscopy if they have these symptoms.
Colorectal cancer can develop without symptom expression, looking like a non-serious disease.
Experts predict that by the end of the decade, cases of colorectal cancer in people under 50 will double. By that time, it will become the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Doctors are still studying the causes of this type of cancer, but often attribute it to unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol consumption.
Screening for colorectal cancer is typically not recommended for individuals under 45, but if you have the aforementioned symptoms, a colonoscopy is necessary.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a flexible tube with a camera at the end into the rectum. The aim of the examination is to detect changes in the colon, such as inflammation and growths called polyps, which are clusters of cells that form along the lining of the colon. They are usually harmless, although some may slowly develop into cancer.
One of the most alarming symptoms is finding blood in the stool or during wiping. This sign is often confused with hemorrhoids.
Oncologist Cleary noted that blood loss can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Bleeding can occur at a microscopic level, so patients may not be aware of it.
What makes iron deficiency anemia dangerous?
Iron deficiency anemia is most commonly found in women with menstrual cycles and vegetarians, as they may not consume enough iron-rich foods.
This condition can lead to fatigue, weakness, pale skin, chest pain, brittle nails, and cold hands and feet.
Unintentional weight loss should be a red flag
Unintentional weight loss is another sign that may indicate the need for a colonoscopy. This is because colon cancer can lead to changes in the bowels, such as increased diarrhea.
Persistent diarrhea means that the body digests food too quickly to absorb calories or nutrients. In addition, colon cancer can cause nausea and stomach pain, reducing appetite and causing a person to eat less.
Dr. Cleary states that unintentional weight loss occurs in the later stages of colorectal cancer. Usually, it is from 2.5 to 5 kg within 6 months or a year.
According to doctors, a narrow stool shape can also be a sign of colon cancer.
A recent study found that patients with the KRAS mutation, which makes cancer more aggressive, had higher levels of fusobacterium, clostridium, and shewanella bacteria. These bacteria can exacerbate inflammation and promote faster tumor growth.
Earlier, we wrote about why blood sugar fluctuations occur and how to prevent them.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
