A cancer expert has highlighted five warning signs that could indicate colon cancer and suggests attentive observation of these symptoms.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, approximately ‘106,590 new cases of colon cancer’ were reported.
Colon cancer ranks as the ‘second most common cause of cancer deaths’ in the United States.
Oncology fellow Dr. Waqqas Tai has shared on TikTok, ‘five things you need to look out for if you think you have colon cancer’.
Doctor Tai cautions that if your stool appears thinner than a pen or pencil, this could be a potential warning sign.
“That might be a sign there is a tumor there compressing your colon causing the stool to come out thinner,” Dr. Tai explains.
Another indication to be aware of involves your bowel movements.
If you notice blood in the toilet bowl before flushing, it’s advisable to consult your doctor.
Although it could initially seem like haemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectum and can lead to minor bleeding, Dr. Tai advises getting it checked.
The third sign also involves blood analysis but shifts focus away from the digestive system.
“If you’re anaemic on a complete blood count (CBC), for men, there is no healthy reason a man should be anaemic,” Dr. Tai states.
This is often ‘the number one diagnosis’ he mentions that medical professionals ‘look for’ in determining if a patient might have colon cancer.
“Women, if you don’t have heavy periods, you also should not have a low hemoglobin,” he says. “And so you also need a colonoscopy.”
Irregular bowel patterns, ranging from ‘severe’ diarrhoea to ‘severe’ constipation, may suggest an issue in your colon.
While these symptoms could be indicative of other gastrointestinal disorders, if they occur alongside any of the previously mentioned symptoms, it’s wise to seek medical advice and potentially undergo a colonoscopy.
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Referred to as ‘B symptoms’, Dr. Tai notes that unexplained weight loss despite a healthy diet, ‘spiking fevers randomly throughout the day’, and waking up drenched in sweat may also warrant a doctor’s appointment.
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms and need confidential support, reach out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.