One of the best ways to fight colon cancer is by catching and treating it as early as possible. When you’re aware of the symptoms that may accompany colon cancer, you can stay alert and catch it before it becomes severe and more difficult to treat. Your doctors at Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute in Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL, can help you understand the common signs of colon cancer and when a cancer screening is needed.
The Common Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Often, signs of colon cancer might not appear until it’s in the more advanced stages, but it’s still important that you’re able to spot signs that point to any issues or warnings. Once you start noticing any of these symptoms, you should be visiting your doctor in Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL, as soon as possible for a cancer screening.
Some common symptoms associated with colon cancer include:
- Bowel movement changes (constipation or diarrhea)
- Blood in your stool
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Persistent abdominal cramping and gas
- Feeling like your bowels aren’t empty even after going to the bathroom
- Narrow stools
- Sudden and unexpected weight loss
If you have a family history or personal history of colon cancer or colon polyps, you should be visiting your doctor for routine colonoscopies. It’s also important for men and women over the age of 50 to visit for cancer screenings because there is an increased risk. You can also be sure to decrease your risk by improving your diet, exercising regularly, and stopping all tobacco use.
Contact Your Doctor Today!
Don’t ignore any of the signs of colon cancer. Contact your doctors at Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute in Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL, to find out if a cancer screening is needed for you. Call for more information and to schedule an appointment today at (708) 484-0621.