1. Unusual changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or narrow stools that last for more than a few days
2. Persistent stomach discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain
3. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
4. Weakness and fatigue
5. Unexplained weight loss
6. Ongoing nausea or vomiting
7. A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
8. A change in the color of stools; black stools can indicate blood in the stool
9. Abdominal swelling, bloating, fullness, or cramps
10. Unexplained anemia (low red blood cell count)
What are usually the first symptoms of colon?
The first symptoms of colon cancer often depend on the size and location of the tumor. Some of the most common early warning signs include a change in bowel habits such as persistent constipation or diarrhea, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain or cramps.
Additionally, someone may experience weakness and fatigue, unexplained weight loss and anemia.
It’s important to note that many of these symptoms are common and may be attributed to less serious conditions such as food intolerances or even the flu. However, they can also be signs of more serious illnesses and should be discussed with a medical professional if they persist or worsen.
Early detection is key in getting an effective treatment plan for colon cancer. Thus, it’s important to look for any signs of changes in the body and to seek medical advice if symptoms last for an extended period of time.
Does Stage 1 colon cancer have symptoms?
Stage 1 colon cancer typically does not cause any symptoms. This is why it is so important to get regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, to detect colon cancer early. If it is caught in the early stages, then it can be treated and potentially cured.
If a person does experience symptoms from stage 1 colon cancer, they may include changes in bowel habits like constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the caliber of the stool. Other symptoms may include rectal bleeding, weight loss, abdominal pain, or anemia.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional.
Where does colon cancer usually start?
Colon cancer usually begins in cells located in the innermost layer of the large intestine, either the colon or rectum. Over time, these abnormal cells generally begin to multiply and form growths called polyps, which can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
As these cancerous polyps grow, they can invade nearby tissue and spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs. Cancerous cells can also travel to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Overall, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among adults in the United States.
How long can you go without noticing colon cancer?
Colon cancer can often develop without symptoms in the early stages, so it is possible for someone to go for a long time without noticing it. The time frame could vary depending on how advanced the cancer is and how aggressive the cancer is growing.
If the cancer is growing slowly, a person may be able to go for several years without noticing any symptoms. However, if the cancer is aggressive, it can grow and spread quickly and cause noticeable symptoms in a matter of months.
Generally speaking, it is important to check for any symptoms that may be related to colon cancer, such as frequent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and weakness, as soon as they develop. Colon cancer is highly curable when caught and treated early, so it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if any symptoms appear.
What does Stage 1 colon cancer feel like?
Although it can vary, there are some common sensations associated with Stage 1 colon cancer. Depending on the size, location, and spread of the tumor, you may experience abdominal or rectal pain, constipation, bloody bowel movements, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and nausea.
Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all. If the tumor is located near the rectum, it may cause a feeling of fullness that comes quickly and does not go away. It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, as well, and should be taken seriously — if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult your physician for further examination.
What can I expect with stage 1 colon cancer?
Stage 1 colon cancer means the cancer is localized to the area where it started. The tumor is smaller than 5 centimeters and hasn’t spread to any other areas or organs. With this stage of colon cancer, the treatment importance is focused on complete and permanent removal of the cancerous cells.
Treatment plans for stage 1 colon cancer may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of all three.
Surgery is usually the recommended treatment for stage 1 colon cancer, as it helps remove the cancerous tumors from the area. During the procedure, a doctor will make small incisions in the area and then remove the tumor from the colon.
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the surgeon may also remove a portion of the surrounding healthy tissue for further examination.
Chemotherapy and radiation may also be used in some cases of stage 1 colon cancer. Chemotherapy involves taking drugs that target and kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy is a form of treatment that uses high energy rays to kill cancer cells in the area.
In some cases, chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery to get rid of any cancer cells that may have escaped the doctor’s reach.
Lastly, colon cancer prevention and early diagnosis through regular screenings is important. People who are at a high risk for colon cancer should get screened at least every 10 years starting at age 50, or earlier depending on their individual risk factors.
People with a personal or family history of colon cancer should consult with their doctor about when to start getting screened and how often.
How long does it take for stage 1 colon cancer to develop?
The answer to this question depends on several different factors, including a person’s overall health and lifestyle, as well as the type of colon cancer they have. In general, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years for a person to develop stage 1 colon cancer.
When a person has stage 1 colon cancer, it means that the cancerous cells have grown within the bowel wall but have not yet spread to other parts of the body. This particular type of cancer is considered highly treatable, as the cancerous lesions are generally quite small and localized to the bowel.
At this stage, tumors can vary in size from just a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. Often times, the cancer will start out as a small polyp, which can take months or even years to grow larger and turn into cancer.
The rate of growth, however, depends on various factors like a person’s family history and lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise.
Additionally, individuals who are at higher risk of developing colon cancer may have monitors more often than others. This could also mean they are more likely to have their cancer detected and treated before it reaches a more advanced stage.
Overall, the development of stage 1 colon cancer depends on numerous variables, making it difficult to accurately pinpoint the time it takes for cancer to develop in any single case.
What symptoms did you have before being diagnosed with colon cancer?
At the time of my diagnosis with colon cancer, I had been experiencing several concerning symptoms for weeks and months beforehand. The most consistent symptom throughout this time period leading up to my diagnosis had been abdominal pain in my lower abdomen that ranged from mild to severe and persisted for multiple weeks.
In addition, I experienced bouts of bloating and distension in my lower abdomen, as well as occasional bouts of nausea. I also experienced occasional bouts of constipation and diarrhea, as well as periods of feeling gassier than usual.
Additionally, I had noticed blood in my stool on a number of occasions. These symptoms became increasingly severe and persistent, and this is ultimately what led me to seek medical attention, leading to my diagnosis with colon cancer.
What kind of change in bowel habits indicate cancer?
Significant changes in bowel habits can be indicative of a number of possible medical conditions, including cancer. These changes in bowel habits can include having fewer or more bowel movements than usual, straining during defecation, different textures or colors of the stool, rectal bleeding, and changes in the consistency of stool.
It is important to note that some changes in bowel habits are more benign, such as diet changes, whereas other changes can be indicative of more serious issues, such as cancer.
Cancer of the colon or rectum can cause changes in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or thin stools. If a person notices any of these symptoms occurring on a regular basis, they should make an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible, as it could be a sign of an underlying cancerous condition.
Other symptoms of colorectal cancer may include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
It is always important to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any changes in your bowel habits, especially when the changes are persistent. This can help to rule out any underlying medical conditions and ensure that appropriate medical treatment is given.
Does colon cancer show up in routine blood work?
No, colon cancer does not typically show up in routine blood work. Generally, a blood test won’t be able to detect cancer that is present. However, if you have a high risk of developing colon cancer, your doctor may order specific tests, such as CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and CA19-9 (carbohydrate antigen 19-9), to look for biomarkers that may indicate the presence of cancer.
These tests are typically used to monitor cancer treatment progress or to detect recurrence after treatment. In addition to a blood test, other tests like a colonoscopy may be used to detect the presence of colon cancer.
