Warning Signs
Colorectal cancer often develops quietly, but symptoms may show as it progresses. Seek medical help right away if you have these symptoms for a long time.
- Digestive Problems: It can affect digestion, causing frequent acid reflux, burping, stomach pain before or after eating, bloating or cramping (especially near the navel), persistent loss of appetite, and indigestion. Long – lasting digestive issues should be checked for serious underlying conditions.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden, unexplained weight loss can be a sign of various cancers, including colorectal cancer. Consult a doctor if you lose weight without changing diet or exercise.
- Bowel Changes: The colon controls waste, and problems can show as long – term alternating constipation and diarrhea, frequent urgent bowel movements, or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying. A change in stool shape (like becoming pencil – thin or rice – shaped) may mean a colon obstruction from a tumor.
- Blood in Stool: One of the most worrying symptoms is red or dark blood in the stool, which may come with a prolapsed rectum, significant weight loss, or frequent and painful bowel movements. Blood in the stool isn’t always from cancer, but it mustn’t be ignored.
- Fatigue: Many patients feel constantly tired and weak, often due to anemia from blood loss in the stool. If you’re tired even after rest, it could be a sign of an underlying problem.
Preventive Measures
Colorectal cancer can be life – threatening, but a healthier lifestyle and regular screenings can reduce the risk.
- Diet: Limit red and processed meats. Eat more fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Take antioxidant – rich vitamins (A, C, E) for colon health.
- Exercise: Exercise regularly to improve digestion and blood circulation. Avoid long – term sitting and add movement to your daily life.
- Weight Control: Keep your weight in check to lower inflammation and cancer risk. Avoid overeating and focus on balanced nutrition.
- Avoid Harmful Habits: Smoking and heavy alcohol use increase the risk. Quitting or cutting back can reduce it.
- Screenings: Colonoscopy screenings can find precancerous polyps early. People over 50 (or younger with a family history) should have regular check – ups.
Colorectal cancer is serious but preventable. Recognizing early signs and living a healthy life can greatly lower the risk. If you have persistent digestive problems, unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, or unusual fatigue, see a healthcare provider at once. With a proper diet, regular exercise, and medical screenings, you can protect your health and prevent colorectal cancer.
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