Colon Cancer symptoms stage 1
This cancer develops in the colon, the lower part of the intestine that connects to the large intestine. Colon cancer symptoms in stage 1 can be easy to overlook because the early stages of this cancer are often subtle and may seem like other less serious conditions or problems. When left untreated, however, colon cancer symptoms in stage 1 can become more advanced and potentially life-threatening. You can help detect colon cancer symptoms in stage 1 by keeping an eye out for them, even if you don’t have any other risk factors.
Colon Cancer Symptoms Early
It is important to learn about the possible symptoms of colon cancer so that it can be detected early on and treated, if necessary.
Symptoms and signs may include one or more trusted sources of the following:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Changes in stool consistency, such as narrow stools and loose.
- Blood in the stool makes stools appear dark brown or black
- Bright red bleeding from the rectum
- Abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, or gas
- Continual urges to defecate despite passing stools
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Iron-deficiency anemia
Below are some of the most common symptoms of colon cancer at different stages:
Stage 0. Also known as carcinoma in situ, in this stage, abnormal cells are only in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
Stage 1. Cancer has penetrated the colon or rectum’s lining, or mucosa, and may have grown into the muscle layer. However, it hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes or other body parts.
Stage 2. Cancer has spread to the walls of the colon or rectum or through the walls to nearby tissues but hasn’t affected the lymph nodes.
Stage 3. Cancer has moved to the lymph nodes but not other body parts.
Stage 4. It spreads to other distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.
How is stage 1 colon cancer diagnosed?
Stage 1 colon cancer is typically diagnosed by a colonoscopy and biopsy of the bowel’s lining. A physician will perform a physical examination, take blood samples, and conduct imaging tests to determine. So, if you are healthy enough for this invasive exam. It is important to note that this early diagnosis doesn’t always mean that the disease has not spread; some early-stage cancers have already reached other organs in the body.
How do you treat stage 1 colon cancer?
- Understand your specific risk factors and family history of colon cancer
- Get screened annually, starting at age 50
- Take part in a periodic FITs test or fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which detects hidden blood in the stool that might be caused by inflammation or polyps (small growths) inside the colon.
- Have annual stool tests to screen for blood and look for bowel irregularities such as inflammation, ulcers, diverticulosis, and signs of colorectal cancer
Is stage 1 colon cancer curable?
The following are the most common colon cancer symptoms, from least serious to most. Most of these may be related to less dangerous digestive problems such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or hemorrhoids:
1) Loose stool for three days in a row
2) A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement
3) More frequent than usual trips to the bathroom
4) Tenderness around the anus and difficulty having a bowel movement.
5) A feeling that your stomach is swelling or full. For some people, this feeling occurs after they eat dinner or have done a heavy physical activity like walking or running on a hot day.
6) Difficulty swallowing food (a problem called dysphagia).
Can stage 1 colon cancer come back?
Symptoms of Stage 1 colon cancer can vary based on the size and location of the tumor, but most often includes bleeding from the rectum, bloody or tarry stools, a change in bowel habits (often with constipation), or abdominal pain. These symptoms may not be related to colon cancer and could indicate other gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. Also, your doctor may tell you that your symptoms are unrelated to your medical condition and caused by stress or another factor. In rare cases, Stage 1 colon cancer may present without presenting symptoms.
Related article: Bowel cancer symptoms in women.
