Signs Of Colon Cancer And When You Should Be Tested
Colon cancer can affect both men and women, young and old. It begins in the colon and can spread quickly from there if not detected. There are signs you should be aware of so you can catch this deadly disease early enough, get tested, and receive treatment before it's too late. Read on for some of the signs of colon cancer you should know about and when it's time to get tested.
Signs Of Colon Cancer
Not everyone experiences the same signs of colon cancer, just as with other types of cancer. The signs of this type of cancer can also be mistaken for other things or may be easily ignored on your part. Some of the signs may include:
- Weight loss. If you have been experiencing weight loss without any changes in your diet or any changes in exercise habits, it could be colon cancer, or it could be some other type of medical condition. No matter what, if you are losing weight unexpectedly or without actually trying, you should have a medical exam.
- Changes in bowels. If your bowels have changed, such as abnormal amounts, a change in shape and consistency, or changes such as blood in the stools, you should have this checked out by a medical physician. Changes in your stool can occur with a change in your diet, but if you haven't radically changed how you are eating, an exam is needed.
- Fatigue. If you are constantly tired, without even doing much in your day, it's definitely a cause for concern and something you should have checked out immediately by your physician. Fatigue can be a symptom in a lot of medical ailments and should be checked out no matter what.
- Stomach pain. If you are experiencing a lot of stomach pain, or have an excessive amount of gas that is abnormal for you, you should seek medical help.
When Should You Be Tested
A colon cancer screening should be done at the order of your physician. If you have the above-mentioned signs or symptoms, you should talk to your physician about them and ask that a colon cancer screening be performed. If you have a history of colon cancer in your family, you should be screened for this type of cancer. If you are older than 45 years old, you should also have a colon cancer screening performed as well.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be associated with colon cancer, you should talk to your medical physician about getting screened for this condition. Talk to your physician even if you aren't experiencing symptoms, as your family health history or your age may indicate a need for a colon cancer screening as well.
