Good Lifestyle

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Silent sign: diarrhea

"Tumors in the right colon are likely to bleed and cause diarrhea," says Dr. Beatriz Amendola ofInnovative Cancer Institutein Miami, fl. It emphasizes that younger patients are more likely to be misdiagnosed for IBS irritable intestine syndrome (IBS).

"As the tumor grows, the diameter of the colon becomes smaller and smaller, making it more difficult to pass stools through the colon," says Kristina Booth, MD, Colorectal surgeon or medicine. "This can lead to less frequent intestine movements and, in some cases, narrowing the stool too."

In addition to constipation and diarrhea, any other change of stool can be a sign of colon cancer. Steven Reisman, MD, director of the New York Heart Diagnostic Center, specifies that narrow or thin stools or those whose blood (red or black) are things to look for. "These symptoms can represent a tumor blocking the colon or bleeding in the colon," he explains.

RX (unusual BMS): If you notice an anomaly in your stool, especially blood, you should see a gastroenterologist and organize a colonoscopy. And if you receive a diagnosis of the IBS and that your intestinal movements do not seem to improve after treatment, return for a second opinion.

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Silent sign: hard belly button

If you notice a hardness around your navel, do not ignore it. "A hard knot on the navel could be a sister Mary Joseph Node," says Dr. Booth. In addition to being a sign of colon cancer, it could also be a sign of another abdomen cancer, which has expanded outside the colon.

RX: Since this symptom can involve a variety of cancers, call your doctor as soon as you notice the navel hardness.

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Silent sign: iron deficiency and anemia

Anemia, or lack of iron, can be a symptom of colon cancer. "This is due to the gradual loss of blood in the stool," says William Tierney, MD, Gastroenterologist. "The bleeding very slow and is not visible in the intestinal movement, it is therefore silent but continually occurs over months to years that lead to the exhaustion of the body's iron stores."

RX: Stay up to date on your blood work. "The iron deficiency in any man and any non-menstruant female guarantees a search for blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract and colon cancer is a common cause," says Dr. Tierney.

6

Silent sign: unexplained weight loss

If you lose weight and you have no explanation for that, it could be a sign of different different cancers, including the colon. If you have other symptoms - especially a change of stools - you should not ignore the numbers to go down, says Dr. Remana.

RX: "Consult a doctor for a weight loss assessment," says Reisman.

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Silent sign: abdominal cramps or pain

If you feel discomfort, pain or cramps in your median and it does not seem to leave, you should not ignore it. "If it lasts an important duration (more than a week) or gradually worsen, it can represent a tumor in the colon," says Dr. Reisman.

RX: Pain and cramps in the abdominal region can represent a variety of health problems. Dr. Reisman suggested making an appointment with your gastroenterologist to plan colonoscopy to exclude colon cancer.

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Silent sign: unexplained loss of appetite

While losing your appetite for no explicable reason could be due to so many health or cancer problems, if it is associated with other symptoms of colon cancer, in particular changes in intestinal habits - it should not be not be neglected.

RX: "We should see a doctor to obtain blood tests and determine if a colonoscopy is justified," urges Dr. Reisman.

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Silent sign: weakness and fatigue

Weakness and fatigue can be a really common part of your day. However, they may be symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, a symptom of colon cancer, recalls Dr. Reisman.

RX:If you feel tired and low all the time, you should make an appointment with your MD so that your work is done. While anemia and in itself are not a huge concern, this could be a symptom of a larger health problem, such as colon cancer.

If one of these signs or symptoms is present, it is imperative that you discuss with your primary or to immediately consult medical care. "Your doctor will probably order order tests if you have any aforementioned complaints, but in many cases you will need to have a colonoscopy for a later assessment," says Dr. Masoud. "This procedure is very safe and represents the pillar of the Detection and cancer prevention. "

As with most of the complications of health and in particular cancer, early detection can be the key to a favorable result and possible successful therapy. "As always, the best cancer protection is prevention"Amir Masoud, MD, a gastroenterologist, explains toEat this, not that! Health. "Non-invasive screening tests and colonoscopy have resulted in a significant reduction in cancers and related deaths. It is imperative to track screening recommendations and not to neglect the symptoms or signs that might indicate something more in progress . "

The best way to detect early colon cancer is colonoscopy. "Colonoscopy has been regularly recommended to be made every 10 years from 50 years," says Matthew Mintz, MD, FACP. People with other risk factors, such as a first-degree parent who had colon cancer, can be examined even earlier. "Colonoscopy is excellent to identify prospective polyps, early small growth that does not become cancer," he says.

The gastroenterologist who performs colonoscopy sees these pre-cancer polyps and eliminating the cancer avoided, saved life. "The problem is that most people decide not to do colonoscopy because they are afraid of the procedure or find it disadvantages," he says.

Coroguard is a new test that is looking for a cancer DNA in your stool, Dr. Mintz emphasizes. "It's easy and practical, and it's almost (about 90%) as good as colonoscopy," he says. Although it does not approve it as the preferred screening method for patients, "it is certainly much better than doing nothing, and therefore a reasonable alternative for patients who want to avoid colonoscopy".

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What are the chances you will get colon cancer?

Unfortunately, it is very common, with nearly 150,000 new cases diagnosed each year. "In the United States, there remains the second most lethal cancer among men and third most in women," says Dr. Masoud. "Although the incidence of colorectal cancer has decreased in people over the age of 50, thanks to effective screening programs, we are seeing an increase in new cases involving younger patients."

Usually, the symptoms do not come before colon cancer either in more advanced steps, although a colonoscopy before starting to cause symptoms can help. "It is therefore imperative that we are aware of the possible warning signs and seek immediate medical care if they are present," says Dr. Masoud.And to cross this pandemic without catching coronavirus, do not miss this essential list: Things you should never do before your vaccine .