O colon cancer It is a type of tumor that affects part of the large intestine, being more common after 50 years of age. In its initial stage, the tumor may not present symptoms, which makes early detection difficult. However, it is important to pay attention to some indicative signs, such as stool shape It is other intestinal changes .
“Any change in the appearance of feces is a sign that some significant preventive measure must be taken”, says Ricardo Guilherme Viebig, technical director of the Center for Digestive Motility and Neurogastroenterology (MoDiNe) at IGESP hospital, to CNN .
Many people are not in the habit of looking at their feces after using the bathroom, but This practice is important to identify intestinal changes which may be indicative of a health condition, including cancer. “This very important habit is sometimes significant at the time of the medical interview and gives clues to follow colon cancer screening”, adds the specialist.
According to Inca (National Cancer Institute), for each three-year period from 2023 to 2025, the estimate of new cases of colon and rectal cancer is 21.10 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants , ranking third among the most common types of cancer in Brazil. Early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment.
Thin stool is the main sign of colon cancer
According to experts consulted by CNN the main characteristic that may be indicative of colon cancer are the thin, flat, long stools . “Ribbon stools, which have a pencil-shaped tip and are more final, may indicate that something prevents the stool from occupying the entire diameter of the colon”, explains Anelisa Coutinho, president of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC).
However, this is not the only sign of colon cancer. A presence of blood in the stool is also an indication. “Sometimes it can appear as a darker color or appear as bright red blood in drops or blood around the stool,” explains Viebig.
Changes in bowel habits that are persistent are also considered signs of colon cancer . This is the case of:
- Soft stools;
- Presence of mucus in feces;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation (desire to go to the bathroom even after having a bowel movement);
- Abdominal pain or discomfort;
- Fatigue and weakness.
However, it is important to emphasize that these symptoms are not definitive for colon cancer, that is, they can be caused by other health problems. “Several conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor dysfunction, infections and food intolerance, among others, can cause these symptoms,” says Coutinho.
Furthermore, local anatomical disorders, such as rectocele [caracterizada por um prolapso genital, formando uma hérnia entre o reto e a vagina], can cause symptoms such as changes in the shape of the stool. “This is the case of feces in small balls, called syllables, or tubular, but choppy”, explains Viebig.
When to see a doctor?
It is important to seek medical help whenever there is a change in the usual rhythm of bowel movements in the shape of the feces and when there is the presence of blood, according to experts — especially when the symptoms are persistent.
“Furthermore, even in the absence of symptoms, we recommend seeing a doctor for those over 45 years of age, as an early detection measure and to evaluate the need for a colonoscopy. Thus, the guidance will be targeted to each case”, concludes Coutinho.
Source: CNN Brasil
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