Symptoms of colon cancer in women .. Be careful not to ignore sure signs

Colon and rectal cancer is one of the cancers associated with each other in most cases of patients, and colon cancer is often classified with rectal cancer, and these two types of cancer can be referred to as colorectal cancer. healthline The main difference between colon and rectal cancer is whether carcinogenic polyps form first in the colon or rectum..

According to the American Cancer Society, colon and rectal cancer is the third most common cancer in women and men although the risk is slightly lower for women than for men, and colon cancer remains the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women and men combined, despite Experts believe that deaths can be prevented with early screening and diagnosis.

Symptoms of colon cancer in women

Colon cancer begins as a small growth in the inner wall of the colon. These growths are called polyps. Polyps are usually benign (non-cancerous), but when a tumor forms, cancer cells can move to the lining of the colon or rectum and spread. Cancer cells can also enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system, colon cancer may not have noticeable symptoms in its early stages..

When they do occur, the signs of colon cancer in women tend to be the same as those seen in men, and may include::

Constipation, diarrhea, or other changes in bowel habits, blood in stools or rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramps, a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or weakness or low energy level, symptoms of colon cancer versus symptoms related to menstruation It may be easy to confuse some symptoms of colon cancer with symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, for example, feeling unusual tiredness or lack of energy is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome, and similarly, abdominal cramps associated with colon cancer may be confused with menstrual cramps. Monthly. Cramps may also be confused with symptoms of endometriosis.

Risk factors for women

Most of the same factors that increase the risk of colon cancer in men are the same for women.

Among these risks:

Advancing age: the risk tends to rise significantly after the age of 50, although younger people can develop colon cancer as well..

Personal history of polyps: If you have had polyps in the past, you face a higher risk of developing polyps later on. Having colon cancer also puts you at a higher risk of forming a new carcinoma.

A family history of colon cancer or polyps: Having a parent, sibling, or other relative with colon cancer or a history of polyps makes you more likely to develop colon cancer.

Radiation therapy: If you have received radiation therapy for cancers in the abdominal area, including cervical cancer, you may be more likely to develop colon or rectal cancer.

An unhealthy lifestyle: Being sedentary or obese, smoking and drinking alcohol excessively can increase your risk. Women are advised to have no more than one alcoholic drink per day.

Menopause: A woman has an increased risk of developing all types of cancer.

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