Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the functioning of the large intestine. The large intestine is located at the end of the digestive tract. In majority of the cases, colon cancer begins as small, non-cancerous clumps of cells called polyps, which later turn into malignant cells.
The three signs of colon cancer that must not be ignored are rectal bleeding, dark stools, and changes in bowel habits. During the initial stages of colon cancer, the symptoms are not pronounced. The symptoms of colon cancer start showing up only in later stages, which is when the benign cells turn malignant.
Symptoms of colon cancer
People with a family history of colon cancer should watch out for the three signs of colon cancer. Among all the symptoms of colon cancer, symptoms of marked changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and dark stools should be reported immediately. The warning signs of colon cancer are: as follows:
You should consult your physician immediately if one or more of these symptoms appear for a long duration.
The significance of regular screening for colon cancer
Since colon cancer symptoms do not show up during the initial stages; periodic screening helps to detect the disease at the early stages. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening for colon cancer from ages as early as 45 years.
Early screening of colon cancer helps in the timely detection and effective treatment of the three signs of colon cancer. When you experience the 3 signs of colon cancer, you should seek immediate medical help. 9 out of 10 people at early stages of colon cancer have 5 years of survival.