7 early signs of the silent 'killer' disease

Sudden weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, night sweats, constipation or diarrhea, and bloody stools are early signs of colon cancer - a disease known as a silent killer.

The disease arises in the glands of the large intestine, often starting as a benign polyp. Colon cancer is sometimes called colorectal cancer. The disease is called a "silent killer" because the symptoms are difficult to detect.

Traditionally, colon cancer has been associated with older people, but the disease is now increasingly affecting younger people, with an increased incidence in people under 55 years of age.

Colon cancer can be treated well if detected early, so it is important that people get screened with regular tests and colonoscopies. The 5-year survival rate for colon cancer treated in the early stages is up to 92% and declines in later stages.

According to doctors, there are 7 early symptoms of colon cancer as follows:

Bloody stools

Blood in your stools is one of the most common signs of bowel cancer. To find out, look for blood in your stools, on your toilet paper or in the pink water in the toilet after you have gone to the toilet. A small amount of blood once in a while is not unusual. But if it lasts longer than three weeks, you should see your GP for a check-up. A person may have bowel cancer if the blood in their stools is persistent and is accompanied by the other symptoms below.

Thin segment

One of the symptoms of colon cancer is unusually watery stools over a long period of time, which signals an imbalance in the bowel. Since all solid waste from the body passes through the large intestine, there is increased pressure during bowel movements. Any obstruction in the large intestine, such as a polyp or a growing tumor, can result in looser stools than usual. You should see your doctor if this happens frequently.

Sudden, persistent abdominal pain can be one of the early signs of colon cancer. Photo: Freepik — Sudden, persistent abdominal pain can be one of the early signs of colon cancer. Photo: *Freepik*

Sudden weight loss

There are many reasons why you might lose weight suddenly. But if your weight loss is significant and unexplained, it could be one of the symptoms of colon cancer, according to doctors.

One reason for weight loss is the amount of energy that cancer cells absorb and the effect this has on the way your body converts food into energy. The immune system’s response to cancer can also use up a lot of energy, leading to weight loss.

Tired

Fatigue can occur because cancer cells use up your body's energy, and in part because of bleeding as the cancer grows in the colon. When combined with some of the symptoms described above, fatigue can be a sign that strengthens the possibility of colon cancer.

Stomach-ache

There are many non-cancerous causes of abdominal cramps or discomfort, such as hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome. But if pain in this area comes on suddenly and is persistent - it could signal more serious problems in the colon.

Night sweats

People with various types of cancer can experience night sweats, and this is also a symptom of colon cancer. Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in the U.S., says night sweats affect the majority of colon cancer patients his organization works with. It is one of the least recognized symptoms of colon cancer.

Constipation and diarrhea

According to experts, most people with colon cancer in particular and bowel cancer in general witness changes in their bowel habits. Constipation can occur because colon cancer narrows the intestines, causing blockages and making it impossible for stools to pass. Meanwhile, diarrhea can also occur due to fluid overflow in the intestines when this organ is blocked.

Hong Van (According to Mirror )

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