Colon cancer symptoms: These groups of people are at particularly high risk

Created: 08/30/2022, 2:00 p.m

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of tumor in Germany.

The cancer often develops undetected.

What symptoms to look out for.

Frankfurt – Colorectal cancer often develops insidiously.

This cancer is very common in Germany.

In women, it is one of the most common tumor diagnoses after breast cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in 2018.

Prostate and lung cancer are more common in men.

The current evaluation by the Robert Koch Institute has examined, among other things, how often an intestinal tumor occurs within cancer deaths.

This shows how dangerous colon cancer really is.

If detected early, however, the chances of a cure for colorectal cancer* are promising.

It is therefore all the more important to take possible symptoms seriously.

Warning signs of colorectal cancer: What symptoms can indicate the cancer

The problem with colorectal cancer: it often grows slowly and is difficult for sufferers to detect, especially in the early stages.

If the tumor finally becomes noticeable, the symptoms can also be triggered by other intestinal diseases.

The cancer information service of the German Cancer Research Center (dkfz) has listed the following symptoms of colon cancer:

• Changes:

   Particularly frequent urge to defecate, constipation or an alternation between constipation and diarrhea.

• Abnormalities:

   Visible blood in the stool, mucus admixtures.

  Stool that is particularly foul-smelling or pencil-thin.

• Other digestive problems:

   Frequent nausea or feelings of fullness despite eating little.

  Strong and frequent bowel noises and flatulence, as well as unwanted bowel movements with flatulence.

• Pain:

   Pain and cramping abdominal pain, independent of bowel movements.

Non-specific symptoms can indicate colon cancer: what you need to know

The dkfz also points out a number of non-specific symptoms that initially appear to have nothing to do with the intestines.

In general, “an

and

” can also indicate tumor diseases.

and

could also be

signs of cancer.

As the cancer progresses, other symptoms may appear.

The frequently occurring bloody stool can lead to anemia, for example

explains the dkfz.

Those affected are then pale and often tired.

Strong weight loss is also possible.

If the tumor continues to grow,

may occur.

Pain and cramping abdominal pain, independent of bowel movements, can be symptoms of colon cancer.

(Iconic photo) © "AndreyPopov"/Imago

Recognizing colorectal cancer symptoms: These groups of people are at particularly high risk

But how is colon cancer caused and in which groups of people is the risk particularly high?

According to the MSD Manual, different factors can play a role:

• Abnormal growths (polyps) in the colon

• Due to intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease

• Strongly one-sided diet with a lot of fat, meat and industrially processed foods, plus little fiber

• Family members who already have colon cancer or abnormal growths

Because colorectal cancer can also be hereditary, early detection* and raising awareness among family members and relatives is particularly important.

Eating habits also play an important role.

Recently, studies have also suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be a variable in colorectal cancer*.

Colorectal cancer: what to do if symptoms appear

The German Cancer Research Center recommends that you see your family doctor first if you have any signs or symptoms of bowel cancer.

Other possible contacts are specialists in internal medicine with a specialization in diseases of the digestive tract, so-called gastroenterologists.

(Sophia Lother)

Editor's note

The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor.

Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy.

The intake of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.