Some of us have been reticent lately about seeing the doctor for aches and pains. With the ongoing stay at home orders, many have been putting off calling the doctor for an appointment even though we have some questionable new symptoms. If you have observed some changes to your bowels, don’t wait to call Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging. Never ignore these 6 colon cancer warning signs.
First, Know Your Risks
The first order of business is to know your own risks for colorectal cancer. There can actually be no symptoms in its early stages so be aware of your personal risk factors, and then get screened as your physician recommends usually beginning at age 45.
Then watch out for these warning signs.
Noticeable Changes In Your Bowel Habits
There are several reasons why someone will notice a change in their bowel habits that are not signs of colon cancer. It could be the food you have eaten or a minor infection.
There is no “standard normal” for everyone, but watch out for these particular changes including black, clay-colored, deep red or white stools.
More signs include:
- Blood in the stool
- Inability to pass gas
- Mucus in the stool
- Watery diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- Severe abdominal pain
In addition, if you have not passed any stools in 3 days, continue to have abdominal pain, sudden urges you are unable to control, weight loss, and very narrow stools, contact Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging.
Bleeding From The Rectum
Blood can be bright red or dark. Although not all cases of colorectal cancer will show signs of blood, still speak with your doctor. You might be anemic and tests will be able to identify the cause of the anemia.
Feeling Weak And Fatigued
If you feel constantly tired even though you are getting sufficient sleep, speak to Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging. Chronic fatigue is a sign of some underlying medical condition and colon cancer is among them.
Narrow Stools
Sometimes known as a change in the caliber of stools, narrow stools could be a worrisome sign. If it only occurs occasionally, it is less troublesome. Whereas if it lasts for more than one week, contact Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging.
Frequent Gas And Bloating
If gas and bloating are associated with cramps and a feeling of fullness, this can be one of the 6 colon cancer warning signs. According to John Hopkins, most people pass gas about 14 times a day. Any type of obstruction in the colon, like a tumor, can disrupt your ability to pass gas causing these symptoms.
Unintended Weight Loss
If you experience unexpected weight loss, it can be a sign of cancer. Cancer cells actually consume the body’s energy as they continue to multiply. A tumor could be blocking the colon or your intestinal tract which prevents adequate absorption of nutrients causing weight loss.
Colorectal cancer used to be thought of as a disease for older people, but more young adults are being diagnosed each year. This type of cancer is quite preventable through regular screening tools.
Schedule a Colorectal Cancer Screening in Dallas, TX
Contact Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging to schedule a colorectal screening. As always, if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (214) 345-8300 today!