March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Colon cancer symptoms
Colon polyps may begin as benign tumors and develop into cancer. Once the polyp turns to cancer, the slow growth and spread of the tumor within the colon (large intestine) may produce some noticeable symptoms.
The large intestine is an important part of the digestive system where the body absorbs water and nutrients. The large intestine is also involved in the process of ridding the body of waste. Colon cancer may affect the large intestine's ability to perform some of these functions, causing changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss.
However, in the early stages of the disease, there are usually no obvious symptoms of colon cancer. Early detection is possible by following the guidelines for regular screening.
If colon cancer symptoms are present, they will vary depending on the tumor's size and location in the large intestine. The symptoms are often characterized as localized changes that affect bowel habits or overall systematic changes that affect your whole body, such as fatigue and weight loss.
Some changes in bowels habits may be considered colon cancer signs. They include:
◾Change in frequency of bowel movements
◾Constipation
◾Change in consistency of stool (loose or watery stools)
◾Blood in stools (either as bright red spots or dark "tarry" stools)
◾Rectal bleeding
◾Abdominal pain (bloating, gas or cramps)
◾Feeling you cannot completely empty your bowels
Read More: http://www.cancercenter.com/colorectal-can...
Colon polyps may begin as benign tumors and develop into cancer. Once the polyp turns to cancer, the slow growth and spread of the tumor within the colon (large intestine) may produce some noticeable symptoms.
The large intestine is an important part of the digestive system where the body absorbs water and nutrients. The large intestine is also involved in the process of ridding the body of waste. Colon cancer may affect the large intestine's ability to perform some of these functions, causing changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss.
However, in the early stages of the disease, there are usually no obvious symptoms of colon cancer. Early detection is possible by following the guidelines for regular screening.
If colon cancer symptoms are present, they will vary depending on the tumor's size and location in the large intestine. The symptoms are often characterized as localized changes that affect bowel habits or overall systematic changes that affect your whole body, such as fatigue and weight loss.
Some changes in bowels habits may be considered colon cancer signs. They include:
◾Change in frequency of bowel movements
◾Constipation
◾Change in consistency of stool (loose or watery stools)
◾Blood in stools (either as bright red spots or dark "tarry" stools)
◾Rectal bleeding
◾Abdominal pain (bloating, gas or cramps)
◾Feeling you cannot completely empty your bowels
Read More: http://www.cancercenter.com/colorectal-can...
