The oncologist told the MedicForum when changes in the intestines can signal a growing tumor.
Changes in bowel habits can include constipation and diarrhea, but does it matter if you've been eating regularly for a while?
While many of us shy away from talking about defecation, it's important to start a conversation – to take care of yourself and your loved ones. In fact, if you pay attention to your bowel habits and understand what is normal for you, it can mean the difference between finding any cancerous changes and being able to escape their attention.
No matter how vague or subtle they may be, doctor shares six 'common' bowel cancer symptoms to watch out for.
“With regard to constipation and diarrhea, a few normal movements in between don't ignore other bowel cancer symptoms,” says oncologist Andrey Vorobyov especially for MedikForum.
Symptoms of bowel cancer include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
- Blood in feces that may be red or black.
- Bleeding from the anus
- Fatigue.
“Changes in stool may be predominantly diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both” .
These bowel cancer symptoms, in particular, “are different depending on each patient.”
The key focus here is to change what is normal. This may mean that the consistency of your stool has changed, become harder, softer, or, in some cases, you have new diarrhea.
“A change in bowel habit also concerns the frequency of going to the toilet, so more or less frequent bowel movements may not be normal. It also takes into account changes in the color of your stool or the degree of control over how you open your bowels (incontinence). As a guideline, any changes that persist for more than six weeks are considered significant. However, if the change in bowel habits is associated with any other symptom, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.”
Advanced bowel cancer can present in the same way as bowel cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body.<
Symptoms characteristic of advanced bowel cancer may include decreased appetite, low energy levels and fatigue, said oncologist Vorobyov.
The most common organs of bowel cancer spread are the liver and lungs. For the liver, this may include pain in the upper right side of the abdomen or yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice. For the lungs, this may include shortness of breath or a new cough.
All patients who have any symptoms consistent with bowel cancer should be evaluated. If you have one or more of these telltale signs, “it's worth visiting your GP to discuss it in more detail.”
While these symptoms may indicate bowel cancer, they can also signal other conditions.
Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.