7 Ways to Check if You Have Colon Cancer

Colon cancer begins in the cells in the last part of the digestive tract called the colon. It usually begins as benign or noncancerous clumps called polyps formed on the inner side of the colon. Here are 7 ways that will help you check if you have colon cancer.

7. Bowel symptoms

A change in your bowel habits could be one of the warning signs of colon cancer. Patients often develop blood in the stool, dark-colored stool, constipation or diarrhea, recurrent abdominal pain, and a change in stool consistency during the initial stage of colon cancer. [1]

6. General symptoms

Colon cancer may affect your general health and cause a few symptoms such as severe weakness, fatigue, reduced appetite, inability to focus, and unexplained weight loss. [2]

5. Digital rectal examination

Digital rectal examination is a test your doctor would perform during physical examination. It involves the insertion of a finger through your anus to feel for any lumps or unusual growths in the anus or rectum. The presence of a growth or lump could be a sign of colon cancer. [3]

4. Fecal occult blood test

The laboratory testing of a sample of stools can be performed with the help of a microscope. It can detect the presence of blood in stools and help in the diagnosis of colon cancer. [4]

3. Barium enema

This test involves a series of x-rays of the gastrointestinal tract. During this test, a liquid containing barium is administered through the rectum. The barium coats the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The x-rays taken after barium enema can help to detect polyps that could be due to colon cancer. [5]

2. Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy offers an effective way to confirm the diagnosis of colon cancer. It involves checking the inside of the rectum by passing a sigmoidoscope, a tube-like instrument having a lens and light. [6]

1. Imaging tests

Imaging tests like CT scan and MRI can help to confirm the diagnosis of colon cancer. These tests can help to detect abnormal growths like lumps or polyps in the colon. [7]

 Conclusion

Any change in your regular bowel habits must not be ignored as it could be a sign of colon cancer. In case you develop any bowel symptoms, you can check if you have colon cancer by undergoing the tests mentioned above.