Colorectal cancer: early diagnosis

What is colorectal cancer? It is an oncological disease that is of a malignant nature. As a rule, this serious disease, affecting the gastrointestinal tract, affects the population of countries developed industrially. The only rare exception to this rule until recently was Japan.

But now, colorectal cancer more often affects even the inhabitants of this country. Scientists suggest that by the end of this century, this disease will become common for the Land of the Rising Sun. It is argued that colorectal cancer often develops in people who eat more protein foods than plant-based fiber.

The disease can form in any part of the colon. Usually affects the rectum and colon. Sometimes colorectal cancer is diagnosed in the sigmoid colon.

Quite often this disease affects the cecum. The majority of cases are older people, although in rare cases, young people are affected by colorectal cancer. This cancer affects both women and men equally.

At an early stage, this disease, like most other cancers, does not cause any symptoms. However, sometimes there are precursors, which must certainly pay attention. In particular, the symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

• deformation of the chair (it becomes a "pencil" or takes a "crimp" shape);

• dark blood in the feces;

• fatigue and lack of appetite ;

• weight loss;

• diarrhea or constipation.

At later stages of the disease, patients notice pain in the pelvic region.

You should always contact a doctor if you notice a change in your stool or blood. Especially if there was a bleeding from the rectum . Perhaps, such symptoms are observed because of hemorrhoids, but it is better if such a conclusion is made by a doctor, based on the results of the tests. The doctor can prescribe to you a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy - a rectal examination with the introduction of a flexible tube into the intestine.

Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms

Another important signal that you need to see a doctor is constant pain in the abdomen, especially if there is an unexplained weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of diseases, but can also testify about cancer.

If you have anemia, the doctor should rule out such a possible cause as bleeding due to cancer.

And remember, the earlier the colorectal cancer is detected, the better the treatment will be. There are many different types of diagnostic studies that can detect this disease.

First of all, doctors strongly recommend that the fecal occult blood test be performed every year. Her presence may indicate the presence of colon cancer at the initial stage. Colonoscopy is the most informative instrumental way to detect this disease.