Stomach pain is common and often harmless. But sometimes, it signals something more serious. A cancer doctor helps you identify whether pain could be related to colon cancer.
In this blog, we will explore the symptoms, risks, and screening options for colon cancer. You will also learn prevention strategies, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer begins in the large intestine, often starting as small growths called polyps. Over time, some polyps turn cancerous. Detecting and removing them early prevents progression into advanced disease.
This type of cancer develops slowly, usually over years. Many people ignore minor digestive issues, not realising they could be signs of colon cancer. That’s why awareness of colon cancer symptoms is so important.
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. But early detection greatly improves survival rates. Regular cancer screening for the colon plays a crucial role in saving lives.
Early Symptoms to Watch Out For
Colon cancer may not show obvious symptoms at first. But certain warning signs should raise concern. Recognising these early signs helps ensure a timely diagnosis.
Persistent Stomach Pain or Discomfort
Ongoing abdominal pain should never be ignored. Some stomach pain causes include indigestion, ulcers, or infections. But when pain persists for weeks, it may signal deeper issues. Abdominal pain and colon health go hand in hand. Colon cancer often causes cramp-like pain that does not improve with lifestyle changes.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Regularity is important for digestive health. Pay attention to bowel habit changes like prolonged constipation, diarrhoea, or narrow stools. These can be linked to digestive issues and colon cancer. A sudden shift in frequency or stool consistency is a red flag.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss without effort often signals something serious. Cancer alters metabolism and prevents proper absorption of nutrients. If you lose more than 10 pounds in a short time without trying, consult a cancer doctor immediately.
Blood in Stool
Blood in stool is one of the most alarming colon cancer symptoms. Sometimes it appears bright red, other times dark and tar-like. Both require urgent evaluation. Internal bleeding from polyps or tumours often causes this symptom.
Risk Factors That Increase Colon Cancer Chances
Not everyone has the same risk level. Certain colon cancer risk factors make some people more vulnerable.
- Age: Risk increases after 50.
- Family history: Having relatives with colon cancer raises your risk.
- Diet: High red or processed meat intake increases the chances.
- Lifestyle: Lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption add risk.
- Chronic illness: Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease contribute significantly.
Understanding your personal risks helps you plan preventive care. Early lifestyle changes and screening can drastically reduce the chances of developing cancer.
When to See a Doctor
Don’t ignore persistent symptoms. If you notice continuous pain, bleeding, or bowel changes, schedule a checkup.
A cancer doctor can evaluate symptoms and suggest tests. Early consultation allows for faster diagnosis and treatment. Remember, early detection of colon cancer leads to better survival and fewer complications.
Diagnostic Tests and Screening Options
Screening plays a key role in preventing colon cancer deaths. Doctors use several methods to detect abnormalities.
- Colonoscopy importance: Colonoscopy remains the gold standard. It detects polyps, removes them, and confirms diagnosis.
- Stool-based tests: These identify hidden blood or abnormal DNA.
- CT colonography: This imaging test provides detailed images of the colon.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examines only part of the colon but helps detect growths.
Doctors recommend cancer screening for the colon starting at age 45. Those with risk factors may need earlier and more frequent checks.
Prevention Strategies and Lifestyle Changes
While you can’t control all risks, lifestyle changes reduce the chances of colon cancer.
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Add fibre to support bowel regularity.
- Avoid processed foods and limit red meat.
- Stay active with daily exercise.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
These simple choices improve digestion and protect against digestive issues and colon cancer.
Treatment Options for Early-Stage Colon Cancer
Treatment depends on the stage, size, and location of the tumour. For early cases, surgery is usually the first step.
Doctors remove cancerous polyps during a colonoscopy or resect part of the colon.
Chemotherapy or radiation may follow if cancer has spread. Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, a skilled cancer doctor designs treatment based on individual needs.
The goal is always to remove cancer while maintaining quality of life.
Managing Symptoms and Improving Digestive Health
Living with colon cancer involves managing ongoing symptoms. Patients often experience fatigue, digestive discomfort, or bowel changes.
A balanced diet supports healing and reduces discomfort. Hydration also keeps digestion smooth. Gentle exercise helps regulate bowel movements.
Doctors may suggest medications to reduce cramping or constipation. Stress management techniques, like yoga and meditation, ease both physical and mental strain.
Proactive care ensures better outcomes for patients dealing with abdominal pain and colon health challenges.
Patient Testimonial
Name: Mr Arindam Roy
Age: 54
Concern: Persistent stomach pain and sudden weight loss
Treatment: Colonoscopy, early detection of colon cancer, and surgery under Dr Mukti Mukherjee
Mr Arindam Roy, a 54-year-old businessman, faced ongoing stomach pain and irregular bowel movements. Within weeks, he also noticed unexplained weight loss. He initially ignored these issues, thinking they were minor digestive problems.
At his family’s urging, he consulted Dr Mukti Mukherjee, a trusted cancer doctor in Kolkata. Dr Mukherjee carefully reviewed his history and recommended a colonoscopy. The test revealed early-stage colon cancer. Thankfully, it had not spread.
Dr Mukherjee guided Mr Roy through surgery and explained recovery steps clearly. The procedure went smoothly, and he returned to normal activities within weeks. He praised Dr Mukherjee for providing not just treatment, but also emotional reassurance throughout his journey.
Today, Mr Roy is cancer-free and credits his health to early detection of colon cancer and expert care. He now encourages others to take persistent stomach pain seriously and never delay screening.
FAQs About Colon Cancer Symptoms and Risks
Q1. What are the first signs of colon cancer?
The first signs include persistent stomach pain, blood in stool, and bowel habit changes.
Q2. Can simple stomach pain mean colon cancer?
Not always. Many stomach pain exist. But persistent pain needs medical review.
Q3. What are the major colon cancer risk factors?
Age, family history, poor diet, smoking, and chronic illness increase risk.
Q4. How important is colonoscopy for prevention?
The importance is very high. It detects and removes polyps before they turn cancerous.
Q5. How can I prevent colon cancer naturally?
Exercise, eat healthy, avoid smoking, and schedule regular cancer screening for the colon.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Persistent Stomach Pain
Persistent abdominal pain can signal serious illness. Many signs of colon cancer begin subtly. Ignoring them delays diagnosis and lowers survival chances.
If you experience ongoing pain, bowel changes, or bleeding, take action quickly. A skilled cancer doctor in Kolkata provides accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Dr Mukti Mukherjee, a highly experienced cancer doctor, specialises in diagnosing and treating colon cancer. With advanced screening methods and personalised care, Dr Mukherjee helps patients achieve better outcomes.
Consult an Expert
Don’t wait—consult Dr Mukti Mukherjee, a cancer doctor in Kolkata, today for expert guidance and timely treatment.