Know Colon Cancer Signs!
In the early stages of colon cancer, there are often no symptoms. This
means that someone could have colon cancer and not know it. That is why
it is important to be tested regularly.
Of course, colon cancer can sometimes have symptoms:
blood in or on the bowel movement
a change in bowel habits, such as having diarrhea or being constipated
bowel movements that are thinner than usual
pain, aches, or cramps in the abdomen that you can't explain
frequent gas pains
losing weight for no reason you know of
Many other health problems can cause these symptoms, too. If you have any
of these symptoms, see your doctor. Only your doctor can tell you why you're
having them.
Get a Colon Cancer Screening Test!
Who should get a colon cancer screening test?
If you are 50 or older, you should start getting regular tests for colon
cancer. There are different kinds of screening tests. Talk with your doctor
about which test you should get. Tests can find polyps and can also find
colon cancer early. When colon cancer is found early, medical treatment
works best and can save your life.
Does someone in your family have colon cancer?
You have a greater chance of developing colon cancer if someone in your
family has had colon cancer or polyps. So it is very important to tell this
to your doctor. Your doctor may want to test you earlier (before age 50)
and more often than other people.
What is cancer of the colon and rectum?
Cancer is a growth inside your body that should not be there. Cancer in
the colon and rectum is often called colorectal cancer. But in this brochure
we use the term colon cancer to mean both colon and rectum cancers.
Most colon cancers start from polyps in the colon or rectum, shown in blue in the drawing inside. Over time, polyps can turn into cancer.
Is colon cancer common among Alaska Natives?
Yes, colon cancer occurs more often among Alaska Natives than among other
racial or ethnic groups. Most of the time, colon cancer is found in people
age 50 or older, but people younger than 50 can get it, too.