Let’s be honest for a moment. How often do you look at toilet paper (or inside the toilet bowl) after going to the bathroom? If your answer is “never,” it might be time to start.
Dr. Stacey Cohen, a medical oncologist at Seattle University who specializes in treating colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers, says colorectal cancer, also known as cancer of the colon or rectum, is more common starting at age 20. He says this is because the number of cases is increasing among people aged 49. Cancer Care Alliance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 140,250 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 50,630 people will die from colorectal cancer in 2018, but the disease is also highly preventable with proper screening.
Because early detection is important, the American Cancer Society now recommends screening starting at age 45. This puts him five years earlier than his current recommended age of 50.
Cohen said early diagnosis is often difficult for young people. “For older adults with diarrhea and weight loss of 9 to 10 pounds, a gastroenterologist may perform a colon cancer screening and workup,” says Dr. Cohen, adding that younger patients should add more fiber to their diets. He added that he would be told to deal with what doctors assume to be a more benign gastrointestinal disease.
Some of the symptoms of colon cancer in women can reflect other digestive issues, but if you have a gut feeling that it’s more serious than something like (no pun intended) GERD. Ask your doctor for testing, especially if cancer runs in your family.
In the meantime, be aware of these colon cancer symptoms that are common in women.
There is blood in the bowel movements.
Spots of bright red blood on the TP after wiping may indicate small hemorrhoids or harmless fissures, but if there is a large amount or if you see maroon or blackish blood, seek immediate medical attention. Please see a doctor. The latter indicates bleeding further up the colon, says Lisa Ganju, MD, a clinical associate professor in the division of gastroenterology and liver diseases at New York University Langone Medical Center.
However, blood is not always visible in colon cancer. “Colon cancer screening tests may also detect blood on a microscopic level,” says Dr. Cohen. I want to check out.
Your bathroom habits are less than ideal.
Everyone gets constipated from time to time, but persistent problems with bowel movements may indicate a blockage in the colon. That’s because poop is soft at the beginning of the colon and can move around obstacles in its way. As it progresses to the end of the colon, it becomes hard. If there is a tumor at the end of the rectum, it is difficult for this hard waste to pass, Ganju says.
But it’s not just constipation. Diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days should also ring an alarm as a symptom of colon cancer in women, Ganju adds.
You are constantly suffering from cramps and bloating.
It’s normal to feel full or bloated after eating a lot, but if you consistently feel like your stomach isn’t completely empty (for example, if you don’t feel relief after eating a large amount of BM), see your doctor. Or maybe it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. Cohen.
This also applies to chronic abdominal discomfort such as bloating, cramps, and gas. If you’re not used to the pain, your doctor will want to know, Ganju says.
Your poop looks weird and pencil-thin.
Size (and shape) definitely matters here. When something blocks the colon, stool is forced into a narrow ribbon-like shape to pass through it. So, if you look at your toilet and your poop looks “stringy”, it’s safe to know that’s not normal and get it checked out.
I am suddenly attacked by severe abdominal pain.
Sudden abdominal pain can be a warning sign for a variety of illnesses, such as appendicitis or gallstones, but it can also be a sign of an intestinal obstruction (when a tumor prevents food from being digested and eliminated from the body).
Either way, it’s time to head to the ER. If the blockage is left untreated, it can lead to bleeding or intestinal perforation, Cohen said.
Chronic acid reflux cannot be cured.
“Chronic” is the key word here, so don’t panic if you get a little burnt after eating a lot of salsa. However, if you regularly suffer from reflux and don’t see improvement with over-the-counter or prescription acid suppressants, talk to your health care provider. The tumor may be causing a blockage, increasing acid reflux, Cohen said.
Iron deficiency causes unintentional weight loss.
Low iron levels may be a symptom of colon cancer in women due to blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract. Consult your doctor if your blood test results show that your iron levels are below normal. Weakness and fatigue may also be a factor, Cohen added.
This also includes unexplained weight loss. If you’re not trying to lose weight and you’re losing weight without explanation, you should always let your doctor know, says Cohen.
Doctors are continuing to treat my irritable bowel syndrome, but I still feel that something is wrong.
Symptoms of IBS, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for that matter, are often similar to those of colorectal cancer: cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. However, if your symptoms do not improve despite being treated for IBS, it is important to address your concerns with your doctor.
Conclusion: You know your body better than anyone. Be in tune with the situation and speak up if you feel that something is wrong or that your doctor is treating you for the wrong disease.