Early symptoms of colon cancer

Colon cancer (including rectal cancer) is adenocarcinoma of the large intestine and a common malignant tumor of the intestine. Its cause is not yet clear, but the occurrence of this disease is related to a diet high in fat and low in fiber. Adenomatous polyps, colonic schistosomiasis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis, bacterial dysentery, and amoebiasis are also closely related to the occurrence of this disease.

About 40% of colon cancers are distributed in the rectum and rectosigmoid flexure, and the rest are distributed in the sigmoid colon, cecum, ascending colon, descending colon, transverse colon, liver, and splenic flexures. Colon cancer is mainly adenocarcinoma, and the rest are mucinous adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. The gross morphology can be polypoid or ulcerative. Colon cancer can develop in a circular manner along the intestinal wall, spread up and down along the longitudinal diameter of the intestinal tube, or infiltrate into the deep layer of the intestinal wall. In addition to metastasis through lymphatic vessels and blood flow and local invasion, it can be implanted in the abdominal cavity or spread along sutures and incision surfaces.

Colon cancer is more common in middle-aged men. It is caused by adenomas and polyps that have turned into cancer. The onset age is relatively young. It is a malignant tumor with hidden early symptoms and is easily confused with a variety of diseases. Early detection can lead to radical surgery. So, what are the main early signs of colon cancer?

Early lesions of colon cancer may be asymptomatic or only cause changes in bowel habits. When the tumor grows to a certain extent, blood in the stool may appear. The blood is mostly dark and adheres to the surface of the stool. For those who have blood in the stool, the possibility of colorectal tumor should be considered first. It is best to have a colonoscopy, which is currently an effective means of early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Some patients with colon cancer may also experience changes in bowel habits in the early stages, and some may experience alternating diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, anemia and weight loss, etc. Early signs of colon cancer: changes in bowel habits, such as increased frequency or constipation, blood in the stool, thinner stools, and the urge to defecate again after defecation. If you encounter such a situation, you should go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible.

To prevent colon cancer, it is necessary to strengthen the timely treatment of inflammation and intestinal polyps; eat less salted, smoked, high-fat, and high-sugar foods; eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and increase the proportion of whole grains; develop the habit of regular bowel movements to prevent constipation; reduce the intake of fat and processed meat products; do not drink alcohol excessively; and do appropriate physical exercise.