We continue our series for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Many people do not realize that this type is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US
By 2021, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 150,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“When he told me we found a tumor and that‘ you have cancer, ’I couldn’t even hear the rest of what he was saying,” Kevin Hays said.
Hays never thought he could have colon cancer at 28 years old.
“I had some symptoms of colon cancer, I just didn’t see it coming,” he said.
Some of the most overlooked signs are cramps, fatigue, and sudden weight loss. And pay attention to irregular bowel movements or signs of blood.
Dr. Patrick Boland of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute has seen patients reject their symptoms.
“We know that there is a longer duration between the onset of symptoms and when they are actually diagnosed because no one suspects cancer of the colon or rectum,” he said.
Two more telltale signs are shortness of breath or a diagnosis of anemia, which indicates internal bleeding. If you notice dizziness, fatigue, or unusual skin pallor, check for anemia, and then get tested for colon cancer.
Doctors say it’s not uncommon for patients to bleed internally for up to six months before anything appears in the stool.
You can reduce your risk by up to 45% just by maintaining a healthy diet, weight and exercise routine.