Among the many scary cancers, bowel cancer or colon cancer is a common cancer in India and worldwide. Bowel cancer refers to cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, it can be called colon or rectal cancer. But did you know there is actually a way you can keep a check on your body to know your risks? The method is known as BCA.
B stands for ‘bleeding from your bottom so always check after using toilet’
C stands for change in normal bowel habits that can last for more than 3-4 weeks
A stands for abdominal pain accompanied by severe fatigue and a feeling of a lump in one’s tummy.
If these signs persist for more than 3 weeks, it’s time for you to consult your doctor. We all know early diagnosis can save lives so it’s best to sound off your symptoms to your doctor.
Read: How to take care of monkeypox lesions: Experts recommend doing this
Read: Brain aneurysms in India are fatal
Bowel cancer can also lead to unexplained weight loss without any effort. So one may not have changed the diet or done more physical activity, but still they may be losing kilos. Many a times bowel cancer also doesn’t allow one to feel fully relieved after emptying their bowel. They continue to feel like their stomach wasn’t fully emptied. This is because they could be feeling the cancerous lump.
In some cases, bowel cancer can also jam the digestive waste passing through the bowel. According to UK’s National Health Services (NHS), this is known as bowel obstruction. This can cause symptoms such as persistent or occasional abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, belly bloating and being consistently ill.
While this cancer is more common among people above 50, it can also occur at a younger age. This is the reason why one should be extremely careful about one’s own health and seek medical assistance immediately. Early bowel cancer diagnosis is vital, which is why everyone needs to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with the condition.
There is ongoing research globally at the Institute of Cancer Research to develop a blood test that will help detect bowel cancer in its early stages, especially in those who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This will cut down the need for invasive colonoscopies.
FAQs
- What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is associated with the abnormal growth of cancer cells in the large bowel, sometimes also called colon or rectal cancer. - What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer symptoms include a persistent change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, persistent pain in the abdomens and weakness. - How to diagnose bowel cancer?
The 2 tests that can help with bowel cancer diagnosis are colonoscopy or CT colonography. - What are the risk factors for bowel cancer?
Your risk of developing bowel cancer depends on several factors including age, genetics and your lifestyle. - How to lower your risk of bowel cancer?
Studies have shown that eating excess of red and processed meat can increase one’s risk of bowel cancer. That said, it is important to limit these food groups, instead include more of fibre-rich foods, healthy greens to your diet. Furthermore, regular exercise can also minimize your risk of cancer.