Colon Cancer: Know the Symptoms!
By Annette Pinder
Last year, colon cancer made the headlines when famous actor Chadwick Boseman died after losing his battle to the disease at age 43. This year, Boseman is nominated for a Golden Globe award for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Far too many people lose their lives to colon cancer, and it is happening to people at much younger ages. Boseman concealed his diagnosis for four years.
Colon cancer is caused by malignant cells that develop in the large intestine. The large intestine consists of the colon, rectum, and anal canal. While colon cancer is most often found in the sigmoid colon and rectum, it can occur anywhere in the large intestine. One of the biggest problems with colon cancer is that tumors can grow slowly over the course of several years without any symptoms, and those who have the disease only notice symptoms at later stages. Symptoms also vary depending on the tumor’s location, the length of time it has been growing, and a person’s unique bowel functions.
Experts say the following symptoms should serve as a call to action:
- Changes in bowel function, such as alternating between diarrhea and constipation
- Increased frequency of bowel movements or a feeling of incomplete bowel movements
- Stool that is narrower than normal (like a pencil) or differently shaped, or blood in the stool
- Intestinal discomfort, including cramping, pain, gas, and/or bloating that is not relieved by bowel movements
- Bleeding from the rectum during a bowel movement without other anal symptoms, such as itching, pain, or lumps
- Stool is streaked with blood, or is dark, tarry, or black
While colorectal tumors can cause bleeding in the large intestine, the blood may not be visible in the stool, especially if the tumor is in the first sections of the colon. This is called occult blood. There are specific tests that can detect occult blood in the stool. All rectal bleeding, with or without a bowel movement, should prompt a call to your doctor. However, rectal bleeding can also be caused by noncancerous conditions, such as hemorrhoids, which may require medical treatment.
It is also important to be aware of advanced symptoms of colon cancer, such as abdominal pain or the sensation of a mass; obstructive rectal problems; decreased appetite and unintended weight loss; intense fatigue and abnormally low energy; abdominal or back pain; swelling in the legs; or bone pain.
While colorectal cancer is being seen more in individuals at a younger age, it is most common in women over 25 years old. Factors that increase a person’s risk of colorectal cancer include genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor diet, alcohol, and certain medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. African Americans carry the highest risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer. Ashkenazi Jews are also at a heightened risk due to a specific genetic mutation.
If you are experiencing unusual symptoms, call your doctor now. Don’t wait! Your life may depend on it.
