We continue our series for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Many people don’t realize that this type is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US.
By 2021, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 150,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“When he told me we found a tumor and ‘you have cancer,’ I couldn’t even hear the rest of what he said,” said Kevin Hays.
Hays never thought he would develop colon cancer at the age of 28.
“I had some symptoms of colon cancer, but I didn’t see it coming,” he said.
Some of the most overlooked symptoms are cramps, fatigue, and sudden weight loss. And watch for irregular bowel movements or signs of blood.
Dr. Patrick Boland of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute has seen patients ignore their symptoms.
“We know that there is a longer period of time between the onset of symptoms and when they are actually diagnosed because no one suspects colon or rectal cancer,” he said.
Two other telltale signs are shortness of breath or a diagnosis of anemia, which indicates internal bleeding. If you notice dizziness, fatigue, or unusual paleness of the skin, you will be checked for anemia and have a colon cancer test.
Doctors say it’s not uncommon for patients to bleed internally for up to six months before anything shows up in their stool.
You can lower your risk by as much as 45% by maintaining a healthy diet, weight, and exercise!