Bowel cancer symptoms might now show up during the early stages of this condition. Hence, it is important that you learn in advance what these symptoms are so you can be aware in case they do exhibit. An understanding of what the symptoms are is also important to ensure that you can get the medical attention needed whenever necessary.
To learn more about the symptoms of this type of cancer, as well as what to do whenever you have confirmed the symptoms, read further below.
Bowel Cancer Symptoms
There are two stages for observing bowel cancer symptoms. The first and initial stage can involve any or a combination of the following symptoms: bleeding in your rectum or the presence of blood in your stool, any changes to your bowel habits that has persisted for over six weeks, abdominal pain, unexplainable weight loss, passing stool more frequently than usual, feeling of fatigue or exhaustion, and the formation of lump in your abdomen.
If the above symptoms are not treated, then the cancer will continue to progress. One of the worst things that could happen is that bleeding will take place inside of your bowel system, which will gradually lead to insufficient amount of red blood cells in your body. This results to a condition known as anaemia, which in itself can also have a few symptoms. These symptoms include feeling of breathlessness, fatigue, or appearance of unexplainable bruises on your body. Bowel cancer that lead to an obstruction in your bowel can also carry its own set of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and bloated feeling.
Take note that a patient suffering from bowel cancer might exhibit one or all of these symptoms. Hence, it is recommended that whenever any of the aforementioned bowel cancer symptoms are noticed that you should see your doctor right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Bowel Cancer Symptoms Diagnosis
Now that you understand the symptoms of bowel cancer, it is time to move on to the diagnosis part. Doctors use a number of methods and tests to determine if a patient indeed has this type of cancer. You can start by writing down a symptom diary so you can keep track of any progression from the initial symptoms. This will provide you with useful information when your doctor makes his diagnosis.
Some preliminary tests are conducted, such as rectal and/or abdominal examination, blood test, and faecal test. If in case the initial tests suggest that more tests need to be done, your doctor will have you undergo any or all of the following: CT/MRI scan, colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and flexi-sigmoidoscopy. To assess the extent of the cancer, ultrasound and barium enema might be conducted as well.
Seeking Medical Advice Regarding Bowel Cancer Symptoms
It is highly recommended that you see your general practitioner as soon as the symptoms listed above are noticed. Even if the symptoms are independent and not caused by bowel cancer, it is still important to have the doctor check you up. This will ensure that you do not have Cancer or else, you can be at risk of more serious complication
