Colorectal cancer might sound serious (and it is!), but knowing what to look out for can make all the difference. For women, the symptoms can be sneaky and often get mistaken for other issues. Here’s a friendly guide to help you stay aware and keep your health in check!
Key Symptoms to Keep on Your Radar
- Bowel Habits Going Haywire:
● Constant Changes: If you’re experiencing sudden changes in your bowel habits, like swinging from constipation to diarrhea, your gut might be trying to tell you something. Keep track of any unusual patterns, especially if they stick around. - Abdominal Pain and Cramping:
● Persistent Pain: Feeling like your belly is constantly in a knot? If the cramps don’t seem related to your period, it might be time to check in with your doctor. The pain could be due to something going on in your intestines. - Spotting Blood:
● Red Flags: Finding blood in your stool or seeing it in the toilet bowl is a big deal. It can be bright red or even dark and tarry. Either way, don’t ignore it – get it checked out! - Weight Loss Without Trying:
● Dropping Pounds: Losing weight without changing your diet or hitting the gym? This might be more than just a diet win. It’s worth discussing with your doctor, as unexplained weight loss can be a sign of something serious. - Feeling Extra Tired:
● Fatigue: Are you feeling more exhausted than usual, despite getting enough sleep? If you’re dragging through your day and nothing seems to help, it could be a symptom worth investigating. - Weird Rectal Discharge:
● Unexpected Discharge: Any unusual discharge or bleeding from your rectum that doesn’t fit with your period or other known conditions should be checked out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. - Bloating and Fullness:
● Abdominal Pressure: Feeling like you’re constantly full or experiencing bloating that won’t go away? This could be a sign that something’s blocking your intestines or affecting your digestive system.
Why It’s Important to Be Aware
- Family History Matters:
● Genetic Risks: If colorectal cancer runs in your family, you’re at higher risk. Knowing your family history can help you and your doctor decide when to start screening. - Lifestyle Choices:
● Diet and Activity: Eating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and staying active can help lower your risk. If your diet is more fries and burgers than greens and grains, it might be time for a change! - Inflammatory Conditions:
● Chronic Issues: If you have conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your risk for colorectal cancer is higher. Regular check-ups are important to keep an eye on things.
Getting Screened: What to Expect
- Screening Tests:
● Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard for spotting problems. It’s like a VIP tour of your colon where the doc can find and even remove problematic polyps.
● Stools exam (Occult Blood or Fecal Immunochemical Test/FIT): These tests check for hidden blood in your stool. It’s a less invasive way to get an early warning. - Imaging:
● CT Scans and MRIs: These help to see if cancer has spread beyond the colon, guiding your treatment plan. - Polypectomy – removing precancerous lesion during endoscopy
Wrapping It Up
Being aware of these symptoms and knowing what steps to take can help catch colorectal cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
If something feels off, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center. We’re here to help you understand your options and decide what procedure suits you. Keeping an eye on your health can help you stay ahead of any issues and keep you feeling your best.
Book your appointment with us today. Reach us at (02) 8711 4141 local 297.
