Some cancers have early signs, but they can be subtle or resemble less serious conditions - which is why people often put off seeing a doctor. Jack Ogden, a GP at the Lagom Clinic in Bristol, told the Daily Mail that there are five painless symptoms of colon and bowel cancer to look out for.
According to the doctor, if the cancer is detected at an early stage, patient survival is significantly higher - about nine out of ten patients survive at least five years after diagnosis. However, when the process has spread, the indicators deteriorate sharply, so early diagnosis is crucial.
Five characteristic painless symptoms named by Jack Ogden:
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Anemia — noticeable fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, sometimes palpitations or dizziness.
The doctor explains that the tumor can gradually bleed, leading to iron deficiency and the development of anemia. -
Changes in bowel habits — prolonged constipation or diarrhea, or sudden onset of narrower stools ("like a pencil").
Narrow stools may indicate partial blockage of the colon by a tumor. -
Unexplained weight loss — weight loss without changes in diet or increased exercise.
This may be due to increased metabolism, loss of appetite, or impaired absorption of nutrients. -
Bloating and abdominal discomfort—constant cramps, feeling full quickly after eating, or general discomfort—
may be signs of tumors affecting the intestines. -
Blood in the stool is sometimes invisible to the naked eye; the presence of dark or black stool should also be a cause for concern.
A fecal occult blood test is used for accurate diagnosis.
Jack Ogden also notes that the symptoms listed can also be caused by less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or hemorrhoids. However, he strongly advises not to ignore persistent or progressive changes and to see your family doctor for an examination.
Doctors note that the world is seeing an increase in colon cancer cases in people under the age of 50. Risk factors include obesity, excessive use of antibiotics, and dietary and environmental triggers — but the ultimate causes may be multifactorial and individual.
What to do if you notice symptoms: contact your family doctor or gastroenterologist - specialists will prescribe the necessary tests (including a fecal occult blood test) and instrumental examinations (colonoscopy, etc.). Early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome.
