Early bowel cancer signs and symptoms that should not be ignored
Bowel cancer also known as colorectal cancer affects large bowel which is made up of colon and rectum. Lifestyle factors can play a big role in development of bowel cancer.
Obese or overweight people or those who indulge in unhealthy lifestyle habits like consuming alcohol, smoking tobacco, and eating high-calorie food are at an increased risk of this cancer. Studies suggest that one can cut risk of bowel cancer by keeping a healthy weight, doing exercise, eating healthy and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Recognising early signs of bowel cancer can help improve survival rate.
What is bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is a type of cancer that occurs owing to the abnormal growth of cells in the lining of the large bowel (colon) and rectum. It is also termed colorectal cancer.
“It strikes the large bowel which is made up of colon and rectum. This cancer may affect people at any age. Early detection is the key to the prevention and effective treatment. Therefore, bowel cancer screenings are advised by early 40s for every individual,” Dr Balkishan Gupta, Director, Minimal Invasive GI and Colorectal Surgeon, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad told HT Digital.
“If you experience symptoms like blood in your poo, changes in bowel habit (diarrhoea, constipation or the feeling of incomplete emptying), changes in your bowel movement (like thin bowel stools), bloating, abdominal pain or cramping, anal or rectal pain, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue for no reason, a lump in the anus or rectum, blood in the urine or passing urine frequently or during the night, change in urine colour (dark, rusty or brown), you should seek medical advice immediately. If these symptoms are left unnoticed, they may get worse,” says Dr Gupta.
Who are at risk of bowel cancer?
People with a family history of bowel cancer, an inherited bowel condition like familial adenomatous polyposis, or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, also called Lynch syndrome are more susceptible to develop bowel cancer.
People with long-term inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis or who have a history of non-cancerous growths (polyps or adenomas) are more likely to get affected by this life-threatening condition.
Factors such as obesity, smoking, a low fibre diet and/or high in processed and red meats and heavy alcohol use may raise the risk of higher rates of bowel cancer.
Diagnosis of bowel cancer
“To diagnose this disease, the patients may be advised to undergo physical examination, blood tests, Immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT), Colonoscopy, Flexible sigmoidoscopy, MRI, ST Scan and PET Scan,” says Dr Gupta.
Treatment of bowel cancer
To minimize the risk of bowel cancer, it is advisable to have a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid or limit intake of red meat, refrain from eating processed meats, say no to smoking or excess alcohol consumption, do regular exercise and maintain a healthy body weight.