6 symptoms of colon cancer: Watch out for sudden weight, fatigue, blood in stool

Symptoms of colon cancer: Chronic diarrhoea and constipation, or changes in the consistency of your stool are all signs of a problem. But if it lasts more than a few weeks, you should see a doctor (Image: Pexels)

Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer, is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the world, with an alarming number of people under 50 falling victim to it. Says Dr Meera Sood, Delhi-based Senior Oncologist, “Early symptoms of bowel cancer are hard to see or are confused with mild digestive disorders. This is one of the biggest reasons why a lot of cases are diagnosed at a very late stage."

• Change in bowel habits

Chronic diarrhoea and constipation, or changes in the consistency of your stool are all signs of a problem. But if it lasts more than a few weeks, you should see a doctor.

• Blood in stool

If your stools are red, bloody, or creamy and tarry, it could mean that you have bleeding in your intestines. It's not just haemorrhoids; you should get checked.

• Unexplained weight loss

If you lose weight suddenly and without even doing diet or exercise, it can be a sign that your body is fighting against an illness.

• Stomach pain

If you have a crampy stomach, gas, or severe pain, especially if you have other symptoms, it could be a sign of bowel cancer.

• Fatigue and weakness

Anaemia can happen because of internal bleeding. It could make you feel weak, tired, or short of breath all the time.

• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

Having a constant sensation that you need to have a bowel movement, even after going to the bathroom, can be caused by a tumor blocking the bowel.

Dr Sood says that this rise is due to a number of things, including low-fibre diets, eating too much processed meat, not getting enough exercise, and obesity.

• Eat a fibre-rich diet: Eating a lot of fibre from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes is good for your gut and can help prevent cancer.

• Limit red meat and processed meat: Use lentils and beans instead of fish, chicken, or other animal-based proteins.

• Exercise regularly: Do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity. It helps keep your GI system moving.

• Stay hydrated: It also keeps our bowels regular and gets rid of toxins in the body.

• Don't smoke and drink less alcohol: Both of these things raise the risk of getting colorectal cancer.

• Get screened regularly: A colonoscopy or stool test can find precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Screening usually starts at 45, but it can start earlier if there is a family history.