i would like to know about colon cancer:
are there signs to look out for if you may have it?
or should someone just go in and have a camara poking around their anus?
You should go and have a camera poked in there. It's worth the peace of mind, and they may be able to pick up the problem...ie; it may be irritable bowel syndrome. Go see a doctor.
Here are some signs and symptoms of colon cancer:
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include: ■A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
■Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
■Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
■A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
■Weakness or fatigue
■Unexplained weight loss
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in your large intestine.
When to see a doctor If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, make an appointment with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.
I agree with Eclair, though. If you are having any problems at all, then go to the doctor and have the camera poking around your anus.
This is a different issue, but my doctor told me yesterday that I was probably within a day of my appendix bursting when it was removed, so if I had continued to ignore the problem and not gone to the doctor, it could have been very bad for me.
