Color tumor is one of the most popular oncological forms in Italy: according to the report The numbers of cancer 2022 AIOM and AUTUM, about 48,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, with an estimated mortality of about 24,000 people. It is overall of the second most frequent tumor in our country, after that of the breast.
An even more worrying data? He is hitting more and more people under the age of 50. This is why prevention and early recognition of symptoms become fundamental tools.
Dr. Karan Rajan, a doctor very followed on social media, who spread on Tiktok a video in which he explains what are the 5 main symptoms of colon cancer, speaks it in a simple and direct way.
Colon cancer: the 5 most common symptoms not to be ignored
In the video that has become viral, the doctor underlines how some apparently trivial symptoms – which are often attributed to poor nutrition or stress – may be alarm signs not to be underestimated. Here are the five most important.
- Persistent abdominal pain
A continuous, localized or widespread stomach ache that does not pass with the usual bench remedies and lasts more than two weeks, can indicate something that deserves attention. It is not necessary to panic, but talking to the doctor is always a wise choice.
- Weight loss for no reason
If you are losing weight without having changed your diet or lifestyle, it could be a signal that the body is facing an important change. In the case of a tumor, in fact, the metabolism can alter and cause unintentional weight loss.
- Excessive and unjustified tiredness
A chronic effort, which does not even pass with rest, can derive from an iron deficiency caused by internal blood losses. This can lead to anemia and therefore to a feeling of constant weakness.
- Presence of blood in the feces
The bright or dark red blood in the stool is a symptom that should never be ignored. In many cases we immediately think about hemorrhoids, but this is not always the case. It is important to make investigations to exclude more serious pathologies.
- Changes in intestinal habits
A sudden change in the way you go to the bathroom – frequent diarrhea, obstinate constipation, very thin stools or feeling of not completely emptying the intestine – can indicate the presence of an obstruction or mass that interferes with the normal operation of the colon.
Prevention, screening and lifestyle
In Italy, the occult blood test in the stool is offered free of charge from the National Health Service to Men and Women between 50 and 74 years of age, every two years. It is an effective form of screening that allows you to identify any anomalies before the symptoms appear.
But what to do if you are under 50? According to experts, it is essential to pay attention to the signals of your body. If one or more of the symptoms described persist for more than a few weeks, it is right to talk about it with your doctor. It is not alarmism: it is awareness.
In addition to monitoring symptoms, even a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce risk. The recommendations include:
Knowing and recognizing the signals is the first step in taking care of your health. The colon cancer, if identified in an early stage, is high probability of healing.
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