The cancer colorectal, or colon-rectal cancer, is the third most common cancer in men after those of the prostate and lung. In women, it is the second most common cancer after breast cancer, indicates the National Cancer Institute (INCa). This is developing “from an initially normal cell which transforms and multiplies in an anarchic manner, until it forms a mass called a malignant tumor (or cancer)”, explains Health Insurance.
In the early stages of the disease, colorectal cancer remains asymptomatic. Furthermore, when the tumor develops and evolves, the first symptoms appear. Symptoms to which you must pay attention, because the earlier a cancer is detected, the better it is treated and the better the chances of survival. But then, what are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? In a recent video posted on TikTok, American gastroenterologist Joseph Salhab, also known on social networks as @thastronomiehdoctor, discussed the signs associated with this cancer.
What are the symptoms suggestive of colorectal cancer?
As the gastroenterologist reminds us in his video, “more and more people in their 20s and 30s are now suffering from colon cancer.” Thus, it is essential to be very attentive to the warning signs of colon cancer. Among the symptoms that should prompt you to consult, we find:
A persistent change in bowel habits
Sudden diarrhea that does not go away or constipation of recent onset which are getting worse are intestinal disorders characteristic of colon cancer to which particular attention must be paid, indicates the specialist. Additionally, he adds that a change in the consistency of stool as well as its shape can also be indicative of colon cancer. Indeed, he explains that a “Growing cancer can prevent stool from passing through the colon properly, making it thinner and more difficult to expel.”
In his video, Dr. Joseph Salhab recalls that travel or certain foods can also cause diarrhea and constipation, which can be simple “occasional inconveniences”. However, he advises his patients to talk to their doctor if their symptoms last more than a week.
The presence of blood in the stools
According to the gastroenterologist,“You should always look at your toilet paper and the bowl after going to the toilet, this allows you to check that there is no blood. The presence of blood in stool is not normal”. Indeed, rectal bleeding is one of the characteristics of colorectal cancer. The expert reminds that some bleeding when going to the toilet can also be caused by something benign like hemorrhoids or an anal fissure and that there are treatments for this.
Other symptoms may also be suggestive of colorectal cancer and require you to consult a doctor, as indicated by Health Insurance. Among them, we find in particular:
- abdominal or rectal pain;
- nausea and vomiting;
- an urgent need to have a bowel movement;
- a fever that persists;
- unexplained weight loss;
- great fatigue.
On the occasion of World Cancer Day which takes place every year on February 4, the National Cancer Institute and Health Insurance are calling on French people to be screened by consulting the website JeFaisMonDepistage.e-cancer.fr. As a reminder, colorectal cancer screening is offered to all men and women from the age of 50 to 74, and is carried out simply and effectively with an immunological test to be carried out at home, every day. 2 years.
@thestomachdoc Warning signs of colon cancer part 1 in this video series #coloncancerawareness #coloncancer #guthealth #guts #healthtok #healthytips #diarrhea #constipation
Sources :
- Signs of colon cancer, Dr Joseph Salhab, Tik Tok video
- Colon and rectal cancer: symptoms and diagnosis, Health Insurance
- Colon cancers: key points, National Cancer Institute
