Attention! This uncommon symptom may indicate colorectal cancer

“Cancer developing in the colon or rectum, due to its numerous common characteristics, is often called colorectal cancer. Although it is one of the easiest to prevent, colorectal cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the Western world”, reads on the website of Hospital da Luz. Therefore, it is important to be alert to signs that may reveal colorectal cancer. There is one that is unspoken, but may indicate this problem.

Doctor Jason B. Carter revealed to HuffPost blog aggregator that one of the signs that may indicate colorectal cancer is the anal incontinence, which consists of involuntary loss of faeces or gases.

Colorectal cancer: Unknown symptom

“ Anal incontinence is not something that most patients with colorectal cancer have, but may occur, particularly when cancer affects the rectum area“, start by saying.

“ This serves as a good reminder that, even if a symptom is not common or not necessarily on the website list, it is still an indication that consulting a doctor is crucial ", warns the specialist.

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“Most patients diagnosed with this cancer initially have other symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, changes in intestinal habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia or persistent fatigue” continues.

It also reveals that anal incontinence may occur later and at a later stage of the disease. “It usually manifests later as obstruction usually develops when cancer injury becomes large enough to physically block the passage of formed feces.” 

Colorectal cancer. The first symptoms you need to be aware of

Oncologist Marcela Crosara explains to Metropolis that, without treatment, this type of cancer can block the patient's intestine and, in a matter of months, lead to death. “That’s why I always draw attention to the colonoscopy exam [consists of the introduction of a tube through the anus that allows the entire rectum and colon to be visualized).

In statements to the same newspaper, oncologist Nilson Correia says that the first signs are nonspecific. “When the tumor produces several associated symptoms, it is often already in a more advanced phase“, explains.

Diarrhoea or constipation, blood in the stools, cramps, pain when evacuating and feeling that the bowel was not completely empty after doing so, loss of appetite, fatigue, changes in stool appearance and vomiting are some of the symptoms you should be aware of.

However, it is recalled that having one or more of the symptoms does not mean that you have colorectal cancer. If cancer is suspected, you should go to a gastroenterologist, general surgeon or alternative oncologist.