Do Not Ignore These 3 Seemingly Negligible Warning Signs Of Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer develops in the large bowel. It is sometimes referred to as colon or rectal cancer, depending on which part it starts. Early detection is vital to successful treatment. It is, therefore, important to take heed even the most subtle warning signs.

Some of these seemingly negligible warning signs include breathlessness, dizziness, and unexplained tiredness. The constant change in the bowel habit, presence of blood in stools even without hemorrhoids, and bloating or discomfort after eating are among the common symptoms of bowel cancer.

If a person has one or more of these symptoms which have been persisting for over four weeks, they should immediately seek medical advice. Though these symptoms may later be determined by the doctor as indicative of a non-life-threatening ailment, knowing them early increases the chance of successful treatment.

Knowing the risk factors associated with bowel cancer is also very important. Though medical experts still have to point out what exactly causes bowel cancer, making some lifestyle changes can be very crucial. Some lifestyle factors increase the risk of a person developing the ailment. What are some of these?

There is solid scientific evidence that an unhealthy diet plays a huge role in the development of bowel cancer. Results of a recent study showed there is a strong relationship between consuming inflammatory food and increased risk of bowel cancer.

Eating red and processed meat, along with refined carbohydrates and foods rich in saturated fats, is an example of an inflammatory diet. According to Dr. Mireia Obon, a leading expert on colorectal cancer, an inflammatory diet could promote the growth of bowel cancer cells.

Other risk factors that increase the risk of bowel cancer development are age, weight, and habits like drinking alcohol and smoking. In the case of age, studies show that in more than eight in ten cases of colorectal cancer, the patients are either 60 years old or over.

Leading a sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of developing bowel cancer. Obese persons are also at a greater risk. Having a close relative with bowel cancer also shows that a person is already predisposed and is at an increased risk of having this type of ailment.

While a person may not be able to change some of these risk factors, leading a healthier lifestyle can somehow minimize such risks. For those who suspect they may already have symptoms of bowel cancer, seeking the advice of their doctors early on could help stop the ailment from further growth.