Recognize the symptoms of colon cancer that are SIMILAR to irritable bowel syndrome
Discomfort such as abdominal bloating, changes in bowel movements (either diarrhea or constipation), persistent pain, or blood in bowel movements are often considered minor symptoms. In many cases, they are linked to irritable bowel syndrome, a functional condition of the digestive system.
Some gastrointestinal disorders present similar signs, which can make early identification difficult. This is the case with colon cancer, a potentially fatal disease that, in its early stages, can present with symptoms almost identical to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This similarity can lead to misdiagnosis or delays in detection, posing a significant risk to the patient's health.
Both irritable bowel syndrome and colorectal cancer can cause:
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two)
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Abdominal swelling or distension
- Frequent gas
These signs, although common and sometimes considered minor, should not be ignored, especially if they occur continuously or worsen over time.
Warning signs: what might suggest something more seriousDespite the similarities, there are certain symptoms that, when present alongside the above symptoms or alone, require further evaluation, as they may indicate colon cancer. These include:
- Presence of blood in the stool (either visible or detected by testing)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant fatigue with no apparent cause
- Anemia (especially due to iron deficiency)
- Persistent abdominal pain that does not improve with common treatments
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional condition of the digestive system that does not cause structural damage but can significantly impair a patient's quality of life. It is usually diagnosed by excluding other diseases, which can lead, in some cases, to omitting more in-depth testing if the symptoms seem "common."
Colon cancer, on the other hand, is a progressive disease that often develops without presenting obvious discomfort in its early stages. Therefore, when symptoms finally appear, they may already be in a more advanced stage.
Digestive health specialists recommend seeking medical advice if symptoms persist for more than two or three weeks without improvement, or if traditional treatments for irritable bowel syndrome are ineffective. Insisting on complementary tests such as a colonoscopy can be key to an early diagnosis.
This procedure allows direct visualization of the interior of the colon and detect polyps or suspicious lesions that could turn into cancer if not treated in time. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
READ: Take note! This is how long tortillas last in the refrigerator. Prevention and risk factorsThe risk of developing colon cancer may be increased by factors such as:
- Age over 45 years
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Diet high in processed meats and low in fiber
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Alcohol and tobacco consumption
- Overweight or obesity
Although colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome may appear similar in their manifestations, it's crucial to pay attention to persistent or unusual symptoms. If you have any doubts, seeking a second medical opinion and undergoing specialized testing can make the difference between early treatment and a late diagnosis. When it comes to intestinal health, prevention and timely care are key.
Don't normalize symptoms that don't go away over time. If discomfort persists and standard treatments aren't effective, it's essential to request more specific tests and not settle for an initial diagnosis.
READ: What are the symptoms of dengue?"If you've been experiencing digestive symptoms for weeks or months, and treatments aren't working, ask for tests. It's not all irritable bowel syndrome. Colorectal cancer may seem like an everyday occurrence, but it's silent and lethal if not detected early," the specialist concluded.
BB
informador
