Here we provide you with a practical guide for its detection.
Identifying colon cancer early is crucial, and there are three main signs to consider:
- Presence of blood in the stool without an apparent reason, which can be bright red or dark red in color.
- Change in bowel movements, such as going to the bathroom more frequently or having looser or harder stools.
- Feeling of pain or bloating in the lower abdomen, with a sense of fullness and swelling.
Other symptoms may also appear, such as weight loss, feeling of incomplete bowel emptying after a bowel movement, unusual fatigue, or dizziness.
While these symptoms do not guarantee that it is intestinal cancer, it is advisable to consult a doctor if they persist for three weeks or more and if you don’t feel well, as an early diagnosis facilitates treatment.
In some cases, colorectal cancer can obstruct the intestine, causing severe stomach pain, constipation, and illness. If you experience these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention or go to the emergency room immediately.
Checking your stools can be important to detect warning signs. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about it. Look for blood in the feces or any changes in your usual bowel movements. Keeping a symptom journal before visiting the doctor can be helpful in recalling and communicating details during the consultation.
As for the causes of colorectal cancer, they are not fully known, but there are factors that can increase the risk, such as age (more common in adults over 50), a diet high in red and processed meat, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, overweight or obesity, and a history of intestinal polyps that can develop into tumors.
In most cases, colorectal cancer is not hereditary, but it is important to inform the doctor if you have close relatives diagnosed before the age of 50. Some genetic conditions can significantly increase the risk, such as Lynch syndrome, but if known, they can be prevented or properly treated.
Reducing the risk of colorectal cancer can be achieved through a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise, a diet rich in fiber and low in fats, and adequate hydration. Additionally, seeking medical attention for any concerning symptoms and undergoing cancer screening tests as recommended are essential.
To diagnose colon cancer, tests such as colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy can be performed, allowing the examination of the inside of the intestine and the detection of abnormalities. The earlier it is diagnosed, the higher the chances of successful treatment. In early stages, over 90% of diagnosed individuals survive for at least five years, compared to 44% in advanced stages.
The treatment of colorectal cancer is becoming increasingly personalized, and advances in genetic testing allow tailoring care to the individual needs of each patient, providing additional hope for affected individuals.
Colorectal cancer is divided into different stages:
- Stage 1: Small tumors that have not spread.
- Stage 2: Larger tumors that have not yet spread to other areas.
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, such as lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: Cancer has metastasized to another organ, creating a secondary tumor.
In summary, early detection of colorectal cancer is essential to increase survival chances. With a healthy diet and lifestyle, timely medical attention, and undergoing screening tests, the risk can be significantly reduced, and the prognosis can be improved in case of diagnosis.
