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Colon cancer signs and symptoms
First colon cancer signs late
The US Cancer Society had shaken up the country's population as part of an education campaign with the words, "You feel great, you have a healthy appetite, you're only fifty ... - then you have the typical symptoms of colon cancer." The sentence is Although exaggerated, but also significant, as it is intended to express that colon carcinomas do not grow from one to one tomorrow, but gradually and often completely unnoticed over the years. First hints are rather uncharacteristic, do not necessarily cause pain and are therefore often ignored. However, experts point out that there are certain signs of cancer that may indicate colon cancer.
For cancer diagnosis, mostly imaging procedures are used. (Image: Hartmut910) Uncharacteristic symptoms
Although various general symptoms are uncharacteristic, they may already be the first indications of developing cancer. These include, inter alia, an indefinite reduction in performance, fatigue, increased fatigue, pale skin, such as facial pallor, unclear weight loss, possibly mild fever and unusually strong night sweats. However, since such symptoms are ambiguous, they are usually not rated correctly and so the cancer can progress unnoticed.
Alarm sign for colon cancer
The first symptoms, which are the typical warning signs of colorectal cancer, have a lot to do with bowel movements. So it should be paid attention to whether blood is in the stool, with the defecation blood or mucus is lost, the stool remarkably foul-purulent smells, the digestion changes (times diarrhea, sometimes constipation), so-called pencil chair occurs or it to compelling chair urge without subsequent Emptying comes. If it comes to the described symptoms, a doctor should be consulted without further delay. In addition, the warning signs include repeated, spasmodic abdominal pain, loud bowel sounds, persistent flatulence (distended belly), nausea, bloating (distended abdomen) and loss of appetite. Even palpable indurations in the abdomen or enlarged lymph nodes may be evidence of a colon cancer.
Examination with the family doctor can bring clarity
An examination at the family doctor can often clarify whether there is something serious behind the symptoms or just a rather harmless problem. For example, some of the symptoms described may also be the result of a temporary loss of form, hemorrhoids or indigestion. But even if the doctor should detect a malignant tumor, so valuable time can be gained for a quick treatment. Medical professionals use different options for a diagnosis. These are in addition to a survey of the medical history (medical history) and a general physical examination including a palpation also the occult blood test and colonoscopy (colonoscopy).
Early detection is the most effective means
The most effective remedy for colorectal cancer is early detection. Basically, the chances of recovery are very good if the diagnosis is made on time. The goal of early detection is to detect and remove colon cancer before it causes symptoms. Since this type of cancer is developing slowly and it takes about five to ten years, from a preliminary stage - a benign adenoma - by continued gene changes a malignant tumor, the chances of recovery are good. According to experts, more than 90 percent of colorectal cancers develop on the basis of a pre-existing adenoma, which can be detected and removed in good time in a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is painless
In Germany, statutory health insurance at the age of 50 to 54 years can carry out a test for hidden blood in the stool (occult blood test) and a palpation examination of the rectum as part of the early detection of cancer since 2002. And from the age of 55 there is a claim to a colonoscopy. In case of an inconspicuous test result, a new colonoscopy is possible after ten years. But too few of the insured in this country take the early detection. This is mainly due to the fear of colonoscopy. Therefore, it is emphasized by physicians again and again that patients do not have to be afraid because the colonoscopy is a painless procedure.
Colorectal cancer risk increases with age
Basically, the incidence of colorectal cancer increases with age. But even though colorectal cancer is much more common from the age of 50, younger people may become ill, especially if they have an increased familial risk. Thus, in about 30 percent of colon cancer cases a hereditary predisposition is the cause. Diabetes type 2 and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis also increase the risk. People from this group require early, regular examinations at a young age to detect colon cancer and its precursors as early as possible.
Healthy lifestyle prevents colon cancer
In addition to age, genetic factors, the presence of adenomas or the mentioned intestinal diseases, malnutrition is also considered a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Thus, an excessive calorie intake, a fat and meat-rich diet and a low content of dietary fiber associated with it. Above all, the danger of consuming much red meat is repeatedly proven in studies. In addition, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol consumption are among the factors that increase the risk of colon cancer. A healthy lifestyle can therefore help to significantly reduce the likelihood of colorectal cancer. (Ad)
