Recognize the Signs of Rectal Cancer
Your rectum, the final segment of your large intestine, plays a vital role in digestion and waste elimination. Unfortunately, it’s also susceptible to a form of cancer called rectal cancer, often grouped with colon cancer under the broader term “colorectal cancer.” While many cases go undetected in the early stages, recognizing the warning signs can be crucial for early intervention and successful treatment for patients in Dallas, Texas.
Be Aware of Rectal Cancer Symptoms
Although many cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed without the patient experiencing any symptoms at all, there are a few symptoms you should be aware of. If you notice any of these indicators, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor!
Change in bowel habits
….or fecal incontinence. This includes everything from diarrhea to constipation, as well as a change in stool shape, or a change in bowel movement frequency. Everyone experiences some of these things occasionally, but when these symptoms last for more than a few days, you should pay attention!
Bleeding:
Watch out for either bright red rectal bleeding or the appearance of a dark stool, which could indicate the presence of blood.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain or cramping, or painful bowel movements, could also be an early symptom of rectal cancer.
Fatigue and Weakness:
If you’re feeling weaker than normal or become tired easily, it’s important to get checked out; something could be wrong.
Unintentional weight loss:
Losing weight when you aren’t trying can indicate a larger problem.
Need to “Go” Again:
Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement that isn’t relieved by doing so. If you notice that you still feel like you have to “go” after you’ve had a bowel movement, it could be caused by a tumor putting pressure on your rectum.
Early Detection of Rectal Cancer is Key
The Mayo Clinic recommends that you
“Make an appointment with your doctor if you have symptoms suggesting rectal cancer, particularly blood in your stool or unexplained weight loss.”
A gastroenterologist, like Dr. Syed Hasan, Dr. Vineel Kankanala, or Dr. Adnan Badr at Digestive Health Centers in Dallas or North Richland Hills, TX, can perform essential tests and devise a personalized treatment plan.
Don’t Delay Rectal Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society offers the following facts:
“More than 95% of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas. Approximately 90% of colorectal adenocarcinomas began as adenomas, which are a type of polyp that may become cancer.”
These polyps can take 10 or 15 years to become cancerous, which means that if you schedule a routine screening colonoscopy with one of our board certified gastroenterologists, they can remove that polyp during your procedure before it has a chance to turn into cancer.
That’s right; a colonoscopy is the only cancer screening method that both detects and prevents cancer! Schedule your colonoscopy today at Digestive Health Centers and take charge of your colorectal health. Remember, early detection saves lives!