Colorectal cancer is a scarily common type of cancer: it affects 1 in 24 individuals in the U.S. In addition, it’s the second most common cause of cancer death in the country, so early diagnosis is paramount. Watch out for the following warning signs that might suggest something isn’t right.
Symptoms to Watch For
Your stool can say much about your health, and certain changes might imply that it’s time for a cancer screening. Make sure you don’t ignore these symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stool or rectal bleeding
- constipation
- Narrow stool
- A constant urge to empty your bowel
- A feeling that you can’t empty your bowel completely
You should follow up on any of these symptoms if they don’t go away in a few days.
In addition, changes to your bowel are not the only warning signs. Colorectal cancer has a few less obvious symptoms as well. Abdominal pain or cramps you don’t know the cause can signal a bigger problem.
You should also keep an eye out if you experience weakness or fatigue or have been diagnosed with anemia. Of course, these symptoms can be the results of various conditions. However, they shouldn’t be ignored if they occur with no explanation. Women, in particular, should watch out for unexplained weight loss alongside bloating.
Keep Your Health in Check
Bowel changes can simply mean that you had something bad the previous night, but they can also signal more serious conditions. It’s recommended that you start attending regular colorectal cancer screenings after you hit 45. However, this disease also affects younger generations, so you should be especially vigilant about telltale signs if you’re under 45. If you keep experiencing symptoms like those mentioned above, you might want to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
