Experts are concerned about the increase in the number of people under the age of 50 who develop colorectal cancer (CRC). Until recently, the vast majority of patients suffering from this condition were elderly men and women. Today, young people born in 1990 are even more likely to develop CRC as compared to people born in the 1950s.
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Doctors can’t explain such a sharp increase in the morbidity rate, but women need to be extremely vigilant.
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Many people misinterpret the symptoms of CRC because they do not believe they can develop this condition. This is a very dangerous mistake. It is extremely important to recognize the very first signs and symptoms of the disease.
1. Fatigue
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This is one of the most common symptoms of CRC. Women who suffer from this condition often feel exhausted and weakened. This is due to the fact that iron deficiency contributes to the reduction in the production of new red blood cells. It leads to iron deficiency anemia, which results in fatigue and difficulty breathing.
deficiency anemia, which results in fatigue and difficulty breathing.
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2. Intestinal bleeding
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Many women misinterpret this symptom, since rectal bleeding may be a manifestation of other diseases (such as hemorrhoids and anal fissure). If this symptom occurs, consult a doctor immediately.
3. Blood in the feces
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If your stool is black or dark red, this may indicate a presence of blood in it. Such feces are also called tarry. This symptom also requires an immediate call to the doctor.
4. Unexplained changes in bowel habits
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Tumors can change the consistency, shape, and frequency of physiological excretions. People may have such symptoms as constipation, diarrhea, and rectal dissatisfaction. And since the tumor narrows the lumen of the gut, it may result in thin, narrow, or ribbon-like stool. If these symptoms last for a week or longer, you should consult your doctor.
5. Pain in the abdomen
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CRC manifests itself in abdominal pain, spasms, nausea, and vomiting. Usually, this indicates the tumor spread beyond the colon wall.
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Unfortunately, in the early stages of CRC, symptoms may be non-existent. To prevent this disease, screening tests such as colonoscopy should be performed regularly.
During this procedure, atypical cells in the intestinal mucosa can be removed before they become cancerous.
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