Early symptoms and manifestations of colorectal cancer

Early symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Knowing these symptoms can help with early detection and treatment.

1. Blood in the stool: Blood in the stool is one of the common early symptoms of colorectal cancer. It may appear as bright red or dark red blood in the stool. Sometimes, the blood may be mixed in the stool and difficult to detect with the naked eye. Blood in the stool is not only a symptom of colorectal cancer, but may also be a manifestation of hemorrhoids or other intestinal diseases, so you should seek medical attention in time when blood in the stool occurs.

2. Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is another common early symptom. People with colorectal cancer may feel dull pain in the abdomen, especially after meals or when defecating. The location and degree of abdominal pain vary from person to person. Some people may feel continuous dull pain, while others may experience intermittent severe pain.

3. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is also one of the early warning signs of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer patients may lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, and this weight loss is not due to changes in diet or exercise. Weight loss is usually related to loss of appetite and poor nutrient absorption.

4. Changes in bowel habits: Bowel cancer may cause changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool shape. If you find that your stool becomes narrow or contains mucus, or the number of bowel movements increases or decreases significantly, these may be early signs of bowel cancer.

5. Anemia: Bowel cancer may cause chronic blood loss, which can lead to anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and paleness. If you find yourself feeling tired or weak frequently and there is no other obvious reason, you should consider having a blood test.

6. Abdominal mass: In some cases, patients with colorectal cancer may feel a mass in the abdomen. Although this is rare, if you feel an unexplained mass in the abdomen, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible.

7. Loss of appetite: Patients with colorectal cancer may experience loss of appetite, which is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Loss of appetite not only affects body weight, but also leads to malnutrition, further aggravating the condition.

8. Fatigue and weakness: Patients with colorectal cancer often feel tired and weak, which is not only caused by anemia, but may also be related to the body's response to cancer. Continuous fatigue and weakness may affect daily life and work efficiency.

In order to increase the possibility of early detection of colorectal cancer, it is recommended that everyone undergo regular physical examinations, especially those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other high-risk factors. Colonoscopy is one of the effective means of early detection of colorectal cancer. People over 50 years old should undergo a colonoscopy every 5-10 years. If you have any early symptoms or discomfort of colorectal cancer, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly increase the cure rate.