By Tracey Hall ~ I recently had my first colonoscopy and it was about 5 years overdue for no other reason than I just didn’t get around to scheduling it. After the procedure, the Doctor informed me he removed two very large polyps that if left in there much longer would have certainly become cancerous. I’m sharing this and more information because for me, I dodged a bullet , but one that could have been prevented. The procedure itself was painless and you resume normal activity quickly.
March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month and Friday is Dress in Blue Day to bring attention to the disease.
Please do not think of this as an older person’s problem, because more adults in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, according to a study published Tuesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Even as screening has helped to lower the overall number of cases, the obesity epidemic may be fueling the rise among young adults. The news is especially worrisome for women, since colon cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer deaths among women, right behind breast cancer and lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One of the most lethal cancers can send loud warning signs to let you know something is wrong.
So what are the early signs of colon cancer?
Common local symptoms include:
Changes in your bowel habits.
Constipation.
Diarrhea.
Alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
Abdominal bloating, cramps or discomfort.
A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely.
Stools that are thinner than normal.
Do yourself a favor and get screened.