Early Warning Signs

The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom at all!

Several months before Greg was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the only symptom he had was an acid stomach.  His doctor put him on one of the common prescriptions and this took care of it. In retrospect, this acid condition may have been an early symptom.

A while later, he was hit in the shoulder while playing softball. Great pain developed. Orthopedic specialists could find no bone or muscle problem. After diagnosis, his oncologist said this shoulder pain was what he called “referred pain” from the cancer that was developing. Perhaps the growth of the cancer could have been slowed had we perceived that acid stomach and shoulder pain were in reality from his cancer. Had he had a colonoscopy at this early stage, the result may have been different.

Individuals should pay attention to the symptoms of colorectal cancer. When experiencing these symptoms, understand that you are diagnosing a condition and no longer screening. Insist on getting a colonoscopy.

The following symptoms might indicate colorectal cancer:

• a change in bowel habits
• diarrhea or constipation
• narrower than normal stools
• unexplained weight loss
• constant tiredness
• blood in the stool
• feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• abdominal discomfort: gas, bloating, fullness, cramps
• acid stomach
• unexplained anemia
• vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few days, talk to your doctor about them to determine the cause.

Source:  www.ccalliance.org  The Colon Cancer Alliance