1. Get Screened
If you are 50 or older, you should be screened for colon cancer. It's best not to wait for the signs of cancer to show up. Colon cancer is preventable and curable if caught early. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may start getting screened when you turn 40 or even earlier. If you are avoiding the screening because you're uncomfortable or embarrassed about a rectal exam, you need to buck up and do it anyway. It could save your life.
2. Bowel Changes
If you notice a change in your bowel habits including diarrhea or constipation for more than two weeks, it's important to pay attention to the changes. You may notice persistent changes in the size, shape, frequency and consistency of your stool. If you have had bowel problems in the past, notice if the problems change. For example, if you tend to feel constipated sometimes and you start experiencing diarrhea, more bloating and abdominal pain, you should check with your doctor.
3. Bleeding
If you notice rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, it is not always cancer, but it's still wise to talk to your doctor about it. Sometimes hemorrhoids can cause bleeding. You should consider what you have been eating first and determine whether your food is the cause of the change. Have you eaten red licorice, beets or something else red? Bright red blood that shows up on the bathroom tissue is usually from hemorrhoids or minor tears in your anus.
4. Persistent Abdominal Pain
If you feel persistent cramps, gas pains, bloating or other discomfort with other symptoms like bleeding, bowel changes or anemia, you should see a doctor. However, it's important to remember that abdominal cramping and discomfort are normal in healthy people too. Pay attention to whether the pain is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you are losing weight without changing your diet or exercise program and you feel fatigue, you should see a doctor. Weight loss can sometimes be welcomed, but if you're not trying to lose weight and can't see how your behavior might be contributing to it, it may be cause for concern.
