As of: April 3, 2024, 12:12 p.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Colon cancer can manifest itself years before diagnosis through various and non-specific signs. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to see a doctor.
1 / 10Colon cancer develops gradually and, in most cases, shows itself from the early stages with pronounced tiredness, exhaustion and a great need for sleep. © image broker/Imago
2 / 10The fact that the immune system is working and the body is fighting against something is also shown by swollen lymph nodes in many of those affected. If the cause is not a cold or a flu-like infection, it could also be caused by cancer - especially if the swelling of the lymph nodes keeps recurring or persists. © Science Photo Library/Imago
3 / 10Elevated temperature and fever attacks can also be an indication of cancer in the intestine. If you have a high temperature frequently or regularly and cannot identify it, you should see a doctor. © sergiomonti/Imago
4 / 10Some sufferers also develop night sweats due to the growing tumor in the intestine. If you continue to suffer from night sweats, it is best to see a doctor. © AndreyPopov/Imago
5 / 10People who develop colon cancer not only notice extreme fatigue but also a noticeable drop in performance at work or in everyday life. © Monkey Business 2/Imago
6 / 10Cancer always has an impact on weight: weight loss is often also a symptom of colon cancer. Some sufferers lose up to ten percent of their body weight within six months due to the disease. The tumor affects nutrient metabolism and disrupts weight regulation. © Morad HEGUI/Imago
7 / 10Colon cancer is also manifested by digestive problems with frequent and strong intestinal noises as well as severe and sometimes painful flatulence (meteorism). © sumners/Imago
8 / 10Repeated, cramp-like abdominal pain that lasts longer than five days should be taken seriously and checked by a doctor. They can be an indication of a tumor in the abdominal cavity. © YAY Images/Imago
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9 / 10 In addition to abdominal pain and cramps, those affected often suffer from a hard stomach and palpable and painful hardening. © AndreyPopov/Imago
10 / 10A relatively clear indication of a potentially serious illness such as colon cancer are severe digestive problems with alternating constipation and diarrhea, frequent urge to defecate, and noticeably foul-smelling stools that can also contain blood or mucus. Blood in the stool is considered a reliable early symptom of colon cancer. There are those affected who often misinterpret this warning sign because the blood also suggests hemorrhoids. If you notice blood in your stool, you should definitely get checked for colon cancer, even if you have hemorrhoids. On the other hand, it does not mean that there is no colon cancer without blood in the stool. There can also only be individual signs of illness that indicate a tumor in the intestine, without any blood admixtures. © Caption Writer/Editor/Imago
In Germany, around 80 out of 100,000 men and around 59 out of 100,000 women develop colon cancer every year, according to the
German Cancer Aid Foundation
. Every year around 58,000 people receive the frightening diagnosis. On average, men around the age of 72 and women around the age of 75 are affected. But younger people also get colon cancer. The sooner you take symptoms seriously and see a doctor, the sooner a possible tumor or precancerous lesions such as intestinal polyps can be detected and treated. The chances of recovery for those affected with colon cancer at an early stage are relatively good.
Colon cancer: What are the risk factors?
A crucial risk factor for colon cancer is, first of all, increasing age. Other factors that can increase the risk of colon cancer include:
Immediate family members with colon cancer
Immediate family members who have been diagnosed with colon polyps. Intestinal polyps are bulges in the intestinal lining and are benign tumors that can develop into cancer.
Previous illnesses such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
Low fiber diet
High consumption of red meat such as beef and sausages
Overweight
Alcohol consumption
Smoke
Colon cancer: Why younger and younger people are getting it
The number of colon cancer cases among 20- to 39-year-olds has tripled since the 1990s, a Dutch study shows. The doctors were able to rule out any family history. In this age group, dietary habits have a significant influence, especially foods containing sugar. They negatively influence the composition of the intestinal bacteria, the intestinal microbiome. Sugar is also said to promote chronic inflammation in the body.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.