Health and Me

Health And Me Desk

The Common Colon Cancer Sign You Need To Look Out For

Colon (colorectal) cancer begins when small growths called polyps form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, changes in the DNA of these cells can cause the polyps to become cancerous.

As abnormal cells multiply, they replace healthy cells and eventually form a mass known as a tumor. This process develops slowly, often taking up to ten years for a precancerous polyp to turn into cancer and begin showing symptoms.

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/colon-cancer">Colon cancer</a></span> poses serious health risks because cancerous cells can invade healthy tissues. Over time, they may break away and spread to other parts of the body, making detection more difficult since the symptoms can resemble other conditions.

<h2>What Is the First Sign of Colon Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore?</h2>

Colon cancer can be difficult to detect because it often develops without obvious symptoms. However, doctors emphasize that the number one warning sign is rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.

"Colon cancer can be hard to diagnose because it can develop asymptomatically,” said Dr. John Nathanson, a gastroenterologist at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital.

Dr. Pratima Dibba adds that this symptom should not be misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids, infection, or constipation, since early signs of colon cancer can look similar. 

She urges patients to get checked promptly to rule out serious conditions.

Research from the <span>Cleveland Clinic</span> also shows that <span>blood in stool</span> can originate anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, including the colon.

Detecting colon cancer early is critical, as survival rates can be as high as 90 percent when caught in its initial stages.

<h2>What Are Other Symptoms Of Colon Cancer?</h2>

Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool). Other signs include: 

<ul><li>Abdominal (belly) pain</li><li>Bloated stomach</li><li>Constipation or diarrhea</li><li>Feeling like there’s still poop in your bowel even after you go to the bathroom</li><li>Feeling tired or weak</li><li>Unexplained <span rel="noindex">weight loss</span></li></ul><h2>Present Day Scenario In India</h2>

<span>Colo<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/rectal-cancer">rectal cancer</a></span> (CRC) is a major health concern worldwide. In India, it is the fourth most common cancer among both men and women. In 2022, there were 64,863 new cases and 38,367 deaths. 

Projections suggest that incidence will continue to rise by 2026, reflecting both lifestyle changes and improved detection.

Compared to developed countries, survival rates in India remain lower, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to screening programs.

The American Cancer Society notes that colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year, noted the World Health Organization (WHO) as per its 2022 data.

Some of the risk factors include risk factors involve being over the age 50, family history, certain genetic syndromes (like Lynch syndrome), inflammatory bowel diseases, and lifestyle factors (diet high in red meat, alcohol, smoking, inactivity). 

The most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer is through annual colonoscopies, screening and stool tests.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Colon Cancer

Rectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer

Blood in stool

Rectum bleeding

cleveland clinic

Colonoscopy

weight loss

12.4 Lakh HIV Tests In Haryana Detect 5,877 Cases

1 in 7 Stroke Patients In India Are Under 45; Hypertension Leads Risk Factors: ICMR Study

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Colon (colorectal) cancer begins when small growths called polyps form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, changes in the DNA of these cells can cause the polyps to become cancerous.As abnormal cells multiply, they replace healthy cells and eventually form a mass known as a tumor. This process develops slowly, often taking up to ten years for a precancerous polyp to turn into cancer and begin showing symptoms.Colon cancer poses serious health risks because cancerous cells can invade healthy tissues. Over time, they may break away and spread to other parts of the body, making detection more difficult since the symptoms can resemble other conditions.What Is the First Sign of Colon Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore?Colon cancer can be difficult to detect because it often develops without obvious symptoms. However, doctors emphasize that the number one warning sign is rectal bleeding or blood in your stool."Colon cancer can be hard to diagnose because it can develop asymptomatically,” said Dr. John Nathanson, a gastroenterologist at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital.Dr. Pratima Dibba adds that this symptom should not be misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids, infection, or constipation, since early signs of colon cancer can look similar. She urges patients to get checked promptly to rule out serious conditions.Research from the Cleveland Clinic also shows that blood in stool can originate anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, including the colon.Detecting colon cancer early is critical, as survival rates can be as high as 90 percent when caught in its initial stages.What Are Other Symptoms Of Colon Cancer?Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool). Other signs include: Abdominal (belly) painBloated stomachConstipation or diarrheaFeeling like there’s still poop in your bowel even after you go to the bathroomFeeling tired or weakUnexplained weight lossPresent Day Scenario In IndiaColorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern worldwide. In India, it is the fourth most common cancer among both men and women. In 2022, there were 64,863 new cases and 38,367 deaths. Projections suggest that incidence will continue to rise by 2026, reflecting both lifestyle changes and improved detection.Compared to developed countries, survival rates in India remain lower, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to screening programs.The American Cancer Society notes that colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year, noted the World Health Organization (WHO) as per its 2022 data.Some of the risk factors include risk factors involve being over the age 50, family history, certain genetic syndromes (like Lynch syndrome), inflammatory bowel diseases, and lifestyle factors (diet high in red meat, alcohol, smoking, inactivity). The most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer is through annual colonoscopies, screening and stool tests.