How To Know If You Should Be Screened For Colon Cancer

It is important to make sure that you are receiving a colon cancer screening if you have reason to suspect that you are at risk for colon cancer. While the colon cancer screening becomes routine after you hit a certain age, there may come a time when you need to be screened for it sooner. To help you know just when this might be, you should continue reading. Here are a couple of signs that may indicate the need for colon cancer screening ahead of schedule:

Your Stools Have Changed Shape

It is not uncommon for the size of shape of our stools to change over time. Illness, hydration issues, and sometimes what we eat can all play a part in what our stools look like when they come out. The thing is though, when the shape or consistency of your stools change drastically and stay that way for a long time, it could be something much more serious than just some random gastrointestinal issues. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any concerns.

You Have Noticed Rectal Bleeding

Even if it does not appear to be a lot of blood, any amount of blood in the stool is not something that you want to ignore. It is something that you should bring to the attention of your doctor at your next appointment. It could be something as easily treated as a hernia, but it could be something much more serious, such as colon polyps that have dislodged, or even colon cancer. Only your doctor will be able to get to the bottom of this problem.

Sudden Weight Loss That You Cannot Explain

If you are dieting and making big changes to the food you eat, the things you drink, and the amount of exercise you get throughout the week, a big drop in weight can be normal, especially if you are on the heavier of the BMI chart. However, if the weight loss does not seem to have an explanation, it could be a sign of something such as cancer, especially colon cancer if you have other symptoms of it.

As you can see, there may come a time in which you need to contact your doctor for a referral to a gastrointestinal doctor. This way, that specialist will be able to give you an examination and order a colon screening. When they receive the results of the screening, they will be able to confirm or rule out any cancer. Once those results are in, your doctor can then decide which method of treatment would be best for you so you can start feeling better soon.


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