Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers. Fortunately, many cases can be avoided through regular screening. Most colon cancers begin as small tumors called polyps. Polyps are non-cancerous, but they can progress into cancer if they continue to grow. Thus, removing polyps in their early stages can prevent colon cancer.
If you contract colon cancer, however, you can expect these four effects.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is a common sign of colon cancer and pretty much any other cancer. Naturally, tumor cells require more energy to grow than normal cells. As a result, they will need to burn stored fats to get enough energy to grow. If you experience unexplained weight loss, you should see your doctor immediately.
Anemia
Blood in the stool and rectal bleeding are common symptoms of colon cancer and indicate internal bleeding. Losing too much blood might result in anemia—a condition where there are inadequate red blood cells in the body. Common symptoms of anemia include easy bruising, unexplained fatigue, and paleness.
Bowel Obstruction
Though rare, colon cancer might cause bowel obstruction. If this happens, the walls of the colon become perforated, causing cancer cells and other bacteria to spread to other organs. If a patient suffers bowel obstruction, they should be taken to the emergency room immediately.
The Cancer Spreading to Other Organs
Like many cancers, colon cancer can spread to other body organs. If this happens, the chances of surviving five years are cut down from 90 percent to just 17 percent. Early detection and treatment are vital in ensuring that cancer solely affects the colon.
If you experience any of the above health issues, it’s best to consult your medical provider so they can recommend the proper treatment. Also, if you’re 45 years or older, you should go for regular screening to prevent the development of the disease.
