Colorectal Cancer Awareness: What You Should Know About Symptoms

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in the United States and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The symptoms of this illness may be non-existent or minor during the early stages. However, there are always some warning signs that you may notice.

According to a GI doctor in Chesapeake, VA, colorectal cancer may not develop until the disorder reaches stage 2 or higher. They recommend regular rectum or colon screening tests with colonoscopy for patients above fifty years old or those at a higher risk of this disease. 

You must read this post to learn whether your condition is colorectal cancer. Here, we list the symptoms and warning signs associated with this illness. Have a look!

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer refers to the development of cancerous cells in the rectum and colon. As the rectum and colon are placed closely in the lower area of the digestive tract, cancerous cells in these regions refer to colorectal cancer. The colon absorbs food and water and accumulates waste, while the rectum eliminates waste from our bodies.

Warning Signs and Early Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Mostly, this cancer develops from polyps. Hence, colorectal screening in Chesapeake, VA, is important to identify and eradicate the first polyp to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

At an early stage, this cancer reveals some warning signs that may include the following:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Tenesmus – It is a feeling of having an empty bowel or nothing passing from the system
• Rectal bleeding that is dark red or bright red
• Consistent abdominal pain
• Ribbon-like, narrow stools
• Anemia caused by iron deficiency

Besides this cancer, such symptoms can occur because of less severe conditions, like ulcers, Crohn's disease, and hemorrhoids. But if blood in the stool occurs, you must immediately consult a doctor.

Colorectal Cancer Local Symptoms

The local symptoms of this cancer occur when the cancer-causing cells affect the rectum or colon and do not spread to distant organs. These symptoms are:

• Thinner stools than usual
• Always having a feeling of fuller bowel
• Abdominal cramps, discomfort, or bloating
• Rectal bleeding or blood
• Constipation or diarrhea and other changes in the bowel movement

If you are experiencing such symptoms for an extended period, you must visit a healthcare expert.

Colorectal Cancer Systemic Symptoms

Systemic cancer develops impacts on the digestive tract as well as the entire body. The symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Anemia
• Jaundice
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Signs

Metastatic colorectal cancer can lead to noticeable symptoms before a detailed diagnosis. The symptoms may depend on the tumor size or tumors where the cancer has spread outside the rectum or colon.

If colorectal cancer spreads to the bones, you will feel regular pain in the body, high calcium levels, constipation, and may be prone to bone fracture.

If metastatic colorectal cancer impacts the lungs, you will experience symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue or pain, cough, and difficulty breathing.

If the cancer affects the liver, you will witness symptoms like fatigue, nausea, increased abdominal pain, jaundice, and swelling of the hands and feet.

When this cancer impacts the lymph nodes of the abdomen, it leads to symptoms like swollen belly, loss of appetite, and bloating.

When the spinal cord or brain is affected, you experience pain, memory loss, confusion, double or blurred vision, seizures, difficulty speaking, and headache.

The Significance of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Screening for this disease is essential to save lives and must be done at the age of forty-five or for people at a higher risk of this illness. Also, people with a family history of this disease must be screened at an early age to ensure they are protected from the severity of this illness.

Screening helps to identify the stage and spread of this illness. With early identification, it is possible to achieve better outcomes. The screening involves detecting and removing precancerous lesions to ensure they don't develop into cancer. 

There are numerous screening options available for this disease, such as:

• Visual examinations – The best test for identifying colon cancer is a colonoscopy. It is done using a flexible tube called a colonoscope to assess the inside of the rectum and colon. It is useful in removing precancerous polyps that may develop into cancer. The other visual tests are CT colonography or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
• Stool-based tests include the guaiac-based fecal occult test and fecal immunochemical test that detects hidden blood in the stool. It also examines abnormal changes via DNA analysis. 

Consult GATGI to Get Expert Advice and Care for Colorectal Cancer in Chesapeake, VA

It is essential to keep a close eye on colorectal cancer symptoms. If you experience something serious or have been diagnosed with the disease, contact the experienced gastrologist in Chesapeake and Virginia. Our trained specialists perform a detailed diagnosis and provide colon cancer nutrition treatment and care. Our professionals treat all stages of the illness. Book an appointment today.