We continue our series for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Many people do not realize that this type is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States
In 2021, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 150,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“When he told me I found a tumor and you had cancer, I couldn’t even hear the rest of what he was saying,” said Kevin Hays.
Hays never thought he could get colon cancer at the age of 28.
“I had some symptoms of colon cancer, I just didn’t see it coming,” he said.
Some of the most common signs overlooked 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 time between the onset of symptoms and the time they are actually diagnosed, because no one suspects colon or rectal cancer,” he said.
Two other telltale signs are difficulty breathing or a diagnosis of anemia, which signals internal bleeding. If you notice dizziness, fatigue or unusual skin pallor, check for anemia and then take a colon cancer test.
Doctors say it is not uncommon for patients to bleed internally for up to six months before something appears in the stool.
You can reduce your risk by up to 45% just by maintaining a healthy diet, weight and exercise routine!