Here are 11 silent symptoms of colon cancer that many people tend to ignore. These symptoms can be subtle at first, but early detection is key to effective treatment:
⚠️ 11 Silent Symptoms of Colon Cancer
- Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits
- Diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days.
- Blood in the Stool
- Bright red or very dark stool may indicate bleeding inside the colon or rectum.
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Losing weight without a change in diet or activity level can be a red flag.
- Fatigue or Weakness
- Internal bleeding from a tumor can lead to anemia and persistent tiredness.
- Abdominal Pain or Cramps
- Ongoing discomfort, bloating, or cramping in the abdomen.
- A Feeling That the Bowel Doesn’t Empty Completely
- Constant feeling of needing to go to the bathroom, even after a bowel movement.
- Thin or Ribbon-like Stool
- Narrow stool can result from a blockage or growth inside the colon.
- Nausea or Vomiting
- May occur if a tumor blocks part of the colon, especially in advanced stages.
- Iron-Deficiency Anemia
- Low red blood cell count can result from chronic blood loss from the colon.
- Gas or Bloating
- Frequent or unexplained bloating or excessive gas could indicate a tumor interfering with digestion.
- Pale Skin or Shortness of Breath
- Related to anemia from chronic internal bleeding.
🚨 Don’t Ignore These Signs
These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, but if they persist for more than two weeks, it’s important to see a doctor and consider a colonoscopy—especially if you’re over 45 or have a family history of colorectal cancer.
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