One of the most common types of cancer in men, colon cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the colon, the first and longest part of the large intestine. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the disease usually begins with the formation of a small clump of cells called polyps in the region. It might not initially be malignant, but it can turn cancerous over time.
While colon cancer is more common in older adults, men of any age can be diagnosed with it. Thus, screening at regular intervals is a necessary precaution, especially for people in the advanced age group. And to help people get checked and diagnosed in time, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained in AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, took to Instagram on May 18 and shared a list of six early signs of colon cancer that should not be ignored.
“Colon cancer in young adults is on the rise, affecting people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s,” cautioned the gastroenterologist. “Recognising these symptoms can lead to early detection and better outcomes.”
Sign 1: Blood in the stool
Internal bleeding is never a good sign. While having a bowel movement, if one notices blood present in the stool, it can be a sign of a burst polyp in the colon or rectum, and therefore an early indicator of colon cancer. “If the blood is coming from deep in your digestive tract, it may appear black instead of red,” noted Dr Sethi.
Sign 2: Anaemia without a known cause
Anaemia is a condition in which the count of healthy red blood cells in the body drops, and less oxygen is supplied to the tissues. It can be a potential warning sign for a number of serious health issues, including colon cancer, according to Dr Sethi.
Sign 3: Thinner stool shape
While this is an odder early sign, if there is a noticeable change in the shape of the stool, and it has turned thinner, it is indicative of an obstruction present in the colon. Thus, according to Dr Sethi, a thinner stool shape is a likely early indicator of colon cancer.
Sign 4: Worsening constipation
Constipation is commonly considered to be a lifestyle and dietary issue. However, when taken into consideration with the other early symptoms, increasing constipation can hint at an obstruction in the colon that is causing the discomfort, and thus can be considered as an early sign of colon cancer.
Sign 5: Abdominal pain
According to Dr Sethi, consistent abdominal pain should not be ignored. It could be due to a mass pushing against nerve endings in the colon, and thus be an early indicator of colon cancer.
Sign 6: Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
Losing weight might be the fitness goal for many, but when it happens suddenly, it is a genuine cause of concern. As Dr Sethi noted, “If you’re losing weight unexpectedly or have a reduced appetite, it could be linked to colon health issues.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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