There are several common symptoms of colon cancer. These include changes to your bowel habits, thin stools, and nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine whether you have colon cancer. Also, be sure to watch your weight and eat a high-fiber diet.
Changes in bowel habits
One of the most common signs of colon cancer is an increase in bowel movements and increased urgency. Some people also experience constipation and persistent diarrhea. You should visit a doctor for further testing if you have these symptoms. Blood in the stool is another sign of colon cancer.
Other signs of colon cancer include stomach bloating. This is usually due to a change in diet, food intolerance, or stress, but it can also be caused by colon cancer. A doctor should investigate changes in bowel habits to rule out other health conditions. A colonoscopy can screen for irregularities.
Thin stools
Thin stools are often associated with colon cancer, but other conditions can cause the same symptoms. People with blood in their stools should see a doctor rule out other conditions. Hemorrhoids, ulcers and Crohn’s disease can also cause blood in the stool.
While the occasional bout of thin stools is usually nothing to be concerned about, it is essential to consult your doctor if the problem is persistent and lasts for more than a week. Thin stools may also result from intestinal scarring or uterine fibroid or may be a symptom of an overextended colon or other conditions.
Vomiting
Vomiting can be a symptom of colon cancer. It can occur at any stage of the disease. However, it tends to be more frequent in people with advanced diseases. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms, including pain and constipation. If you’re experiencing nausea and vomiting, it may be time to visit your doctor.
Vomiting can also be a sign of intestinal bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, it may indicate a tumor. A doctor will perform a test to determine the cause. This will reveal whether the cancer is in the colon or not. During the screening, they may also find small polyps in the colon that are not cancerous. Those polyps may need to be removed. Regular screenings for colon cancer are recommended for people with a high risk.
Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom of colon cancer. It may appear at any stage of the disease, although it is more common in advanced stages. Nausea may also be accompanied by vomiting. If you experience a change in your bowel habits, such as constipation or loose stools, you should see a doctor to rule out any more severe issues.
Eating small meals at regular intervals helps control nausea. This prevents the stomach from emptying too quickly and producing excess stomach acid. Foods that are hot, spicy, or have a lot of preservatives should be avoided. Taking anti-nausea medications as directed by your healthcare provider is also an excellent way to avoid nausea during chemotherapy. A good diet also includes consuming foods that have minimal or no odor. Avoid eating foods with long cooking times, as these tend to be smelly and may cause nausea.
Change in stool frequency
A change in stool frequency is one of the common symptoms of colon cancer. People with the disease often experience an increased need to poop and may also experience pain and bloating in the abdomen. A doctor can help determine if the condition is causing these symptoms. Other signs of colon cancer include bleeding in the stool and persistent diarrhea or constipation. Patients may also experience loss of weight, anemia, or iron deficiency.
Women should note that these symptoms are often similar to men’s. If a woman notices blood in her stool, she should visit a doctor immediately. It could be a sign of colon cancer or an abscess. If she is constantly experiencing a recurring fever and feeling fatigued, she should also seek medical attention.
Change in stool color
A cA stool color change is one of colon cancer’s most common symptoms. It can appear in either the color of blood or a tarry or sticky material. Blood in the stool is a sign that abnormal tissue is present in the colon. This abnormal tissue bleeds easily. If you see blood in your stool, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
The color of your stools will depend on your diet. Usually, stools will be yellow-green because bile is needed to digest fats. If you eat a variety of foods and do not have too much of the same color, your stool should be a standard color. However, if your stool color is consistently green, this is a sign of bile breakdown. If this happens frequently, you should see your doctor.