Knowing your own body well and paying attention to how it feels is a skill that can help you identify when something is wrong. I want to share my story about how I first realized that I may have colon cancer in the hope that it might help others to recognize the signs and get the care they need as early as possible.
In the months leading up to my diagnosis, I had been experiencing some unusual symptoms. I had been having abdominal pain that was not severe but did not seem to be going away. I also noticed that my bowel movements had become more frequent and less solid than usual. At first, I didn't think much of it, assuming it was just a minor digestive issue. However, after a few weeks, the symptoms began to worsen. The pain became more intense, and I started experiencing blood in my stool.
At that point, I realized that something more serious might be going on. I decided to see my doctor, who ordered some tests, including a colonoscopy. The results of the colonoscopy revealed that I had colon cancer in its early stages. If I had not gone to the doctor when I did, the cancer could have progressed and become more difficult to treat.
How I Knew I Had Colon Cancer
Recognizing the signs early is crucial.
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Change in bowel habits
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Narrow stools
- Feeling like bowels don't empty
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor promptly.
Persistent Abdominal Pain
One of the most common symptoms of colon cancer is persistent abdominal pain. This pain can vary in intensity and location, but it is often described as a dull ache or cramping in the lower abdomen. It may come and go, or it may be constant. In some cases, the pain may be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
- Location: The pain is typically felt in the lower abdomen, on the left or right side. It may also be felt in the center of the abdomen.
- Intensity: The pain can range from mild to severe. It may be constant or intermittent.
- Duration: The pain may last for a few days or it may be chronic, lasting for weeks or months.
- Other symptoms: The pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
If you are experiencing persistent abdominal pain, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions, including colon cancer.
Change in Bowel Habits
A change in bowel habits is another common symptom of colon cancer. This can include:
- Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, or watery stools.
- Constipation: Difficulty passing stools, or having stools that are hard and dry.
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation: This is a common pattern in colon cancer.
- Narrow stools: Stools that are thinner than usual.
- Feeling like you can't empty your bowels completely: This is also known as incomplete evacuation.
In addition to these changes in stool consistency and frequency, you may also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Blood in your stool: This can be bright red, dark red, or black.
- Mucus in your stool: This can make your stool look slimy or sticky.
- Abdominal pain or cramping: This may be worse after a bowel movement.
- Unexplained weight loss: This can be a sign that cancer is using up your body's resources.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions, including colon cancer.
It is important to note that a change in bowel habits can also be caused by other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or dietary changes. However, it is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any new or persistent changes in your bowel habits, especially if you are over the age of 50 or have a family history of colon cancer.
Blood in Stool
Blood in the stool is a common symptom of colon cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of the bleeding.
- Bright red blood: This is usually caused by bleeding from the lower rectum or anus. It may be due to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or other benign conditions. However, it can also be a sign of colon cancer.
- Dark red or black blood: This is usually caused by bleeding from the upper colon or rectum. It can be a sign of colon cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as diverticular disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Blood mixed with stool: This can be a sign of colon cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
- Blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl: This can be a sign of colon cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
If you are experiencing any type of blood in your stool, it is important to see a doctor right away to determine the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer can improve your chances of survival.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including colon cancer. This is because cancer cells use up the body's resources, including energy from food. As a result, people with cancer may lose weight even if they are eating normally.
Unexplained weight loss is defined as losing 10 pounds or more in a relatively short period of time (6-12 months) without trying to lose weight. It is important to note that weight loss can also be caused by other conditions, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, or celiac disease. However, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions, including cancer.
Other symptoms that may accompany unexplained weight loss in people with colon cancer include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer can improve your chances of survival.
It is important to note that not everyone with colon cancer experiences unexplained weight loss. In fact, some people may actually gain weight during the early stages of the disease. This is because colon cancer can cause the body to retain water and sodium.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including colon cancer. This is because cancer cells use up the body's resources, including energy from food. As a result, people with cancer may feel tired even if they are getting enough sleep.
The fatigue associated with cancer is often different from the fatigue you may feel after a long day or a lack of sleep. Cancer-related fatigue is often described as a deep, overwhelming tiredness that does not improve with rest. It can interfere with your ability to perform everyday activities, such as work, school, or household chores.
Other symptoms that may accompany fatigue in people with colon cancer include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
If you are experiencing fatigue that is new or persistent, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer can improve your chances of survival.
There are a number of things that can be done to help manage fatigue related to colon cancer. These include:
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
- Talking to your doctor about medication or other treatments to help manage fatigue
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of many types of cancer, including colon cancer. This is because cancer can cause the body to produce hormones and other substances that can lead to nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting associated with colon cancer can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Bowel obstruction: A tumor can grow large enough to block the passage of stool through the colon. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Perforation: A tumor can also cause the colon to perforate, or tear. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Infection: A tumor can also become infected, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common treatment for colon cancer. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy.
If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting that is new or persistent, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer can improve your chances of survival.
There are a number of things that can be done to help manage nausea and vomiting related to colon cancer. These include:
- Eating small, frequent meals
- Avoiding foods that trigger nausea or vomiting
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking anti-nausea medication
- Trying relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation
Narrow Stools
Narrow stools are a common symptom of colon cancer. This is because a tumor can grow large enough to block the passage of stool through the colon. As a result, the stool becomes thinner and harder.
Narrow stools can also be caused by other conditions, such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Diverticular disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
If you are experiencing narrow stools that are new or persistent, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer can improve your chances of survival.
There are a number of things that can be done to help manage narrow stools related to colon cancer. These include:
- Eating a high-fiber diet
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting regular exercise
- Taking stool softeners or laxatives
- Using enemas or suppositories
If you are experiencing severe or persistent narrow stools, it is important to see a doctor right away. This could be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as colon cancer.
Feeling Like Bowels Don't Empty
Feeling like your bowels don't empty completely is a common symptom of colon cancer. This is because a tumor can block the passage of stool through the colon. As a result, you may feel like you need to have a bowel movement, but nothing comes out.
- Incomplete evacuation: This is the feeling that you have not completely emptied your bowels after a bowel movement.
- Straining: You may need to strain or push to have a bowel movement.
- Pelvic pain: You may feel pain in your pelvis or rectum.
- Feeling of fullness: You may feel like your rectum is full, even after a bowel movement.
If you are experiencing a feeling of incomplete evacuation that is new or persistent, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer can improve your chances of survival.
There are a number of things that can be done to help manage the feeling of incomplete evacuation related to colon cancer. These include:
- Eating a high-fiber diet
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting regular exercise
- Taking stool softeners or laxatives
- Using enemas or suppositories
If you are experiencing severe or persistent incomplete evacuation, it is important to see a doctor right away. This could be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as colon cancer.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about colon cancer:
Question 1: What are the risk factors for colon cancer?
Answer 1: There are a number of risk factors for colon cancer, including:
- Age (over 50)
- Family history of colon cancer
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Diet high in red and processed meats
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
Question 2: What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Answer 2: The symptoms of colon cancer can vary, but may include:
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Change in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Narrow stools
- Feeling like bowels don't empty
Question 3: How is colon cancer diagnosed?
Answer 3: Colon cancer is diagnosed through a variety of tests, including:
- Colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Virtual colonoscopy
- Barium enema
- Stool DNA test
Question 4: How is colon cancer treated?
Answer 4: The treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and may include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Question 5: What is the prognosis for colon cancer?
Answer 5: The prognosis for colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.
Question 6: How can I prevent colon cancer?
Answer 6: There are a number of things you can do to help prevent colon cancer, including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Getting regular colon cancer screenings
Question 7: Where can I get more information about colon cancer?
Answer 7: There are a number of resources available to provide more information about colon cancer, including:
- The American Cancer Society
- The National Cancer Institute
- The Colon Cancer Alliance
If you have any questions or concerns about colon cancer, talk to your doctor.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for preventing and detecting colon cancer: