Early Warning Signs Of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer starts in the large intestine, which is also referred to as the colon. Although it can develop in anyone, older adults are the ones who are most at risk of developing this type of cancer. This is why colonoscopies and other colon cancer screening tests are recommended regularly for individuals after they turn fifty years old. Those who have a family history will often need to start these tests earlier than that.

Many colon cancer patients undergo the standard cancer treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. There are also other options to treat and even cure colon cancer, including surgery to remove part of the colon or resect the bowel. They may also need targeted drug therapy or radiofrequency ablation to treat colon cancer. In some cases, the colon cancer treatment regimen chosen varies based on the symptoms a patient displays.

Change In Bowel Habits

One of the first warning signs individuals will usually notice when it comes to colon cancer is a change in their bowel habits. This change has to last for longer than a few days. For instance, diarrhea does not always mean colon cancer. One day of diarrhea could mean something as simple as someone just ate something that did not agree with their stomach. But diarrhea, constipation, and stool narrowing for longer than a few days, such as for a week or two, could mean an individual has colon cancer. However, individuals will need to undergo colon cancer screening and other tests to identify a cause.

Other symptoms being present is also important in diagnosing colon cancer. Find out more about these symptoms now.