We continue our series for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Many people do not realize that this type is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States
In 2021, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 150,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“When he told me that we found a tumor and ‘you have cancer’, I couldn’t even hear the rest of what he was saying,” said Kevin Hays.
Hays never thought he could get colon cancer at 28.
“I had some symptoms of colon cancer, but I didn’t expect it,” he said.
Some of the most commonly overlooked signs are cramps, fatigue and sudden weight loss. And pay attention to irregular bowel movements or signs of blood.
Dr. Patrick Boland of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute saw patients dispense with their symptoms.
“We know there is a longer duration between the onset of symptoms and when they are actually diagnosed, because no one suspects rectal or colon 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 pallor of the skin, get an anemia and get a colon cancer test.
Doctors say it is not uncommon for patients to bleed internally for up to six months before anything appears in their stool.
You can reduce your risk by up to 45% just by maintaining a healthy diet, weight and exercise routine!