Colon cancer is an escalating concern in medical circles, driven by a climbing incidence among younger people.
While awareness of the warning signs has improved in recent years, an oncologist has warned that one may slip under people’s radar.
According to Yousuf Zafar, MD, not enough people talk about the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation after using the bathroom.
“Most people think colon cancer always causes pain, but that’s not true,” he shared in a clip on TikTok.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The oncologist shares signs of the disease that are easy to overlook
|GETTY / TIKTOK
“I’m an oncologist, and I’m going to talk you through the important signs and symptoms of colon cancer that you should watch out for.
“A symptom that doesn’t get talked about enough is feeling like your bowels don’t completely empty after you have a bowel movement,” the expert explained.
This is particularly prevalent when the tumour is located in the rectum or the lower part of the colon, where it can block the passage of stool.
Additional signs that are easy to overlook include unexplained anaemia, which many people fail to associate with colon cancer.
“If you’re anaemic and there is no other good reason for it, you should talk to your doctor about whether you should get checked for colon cancer," Dr Yousef shared.
The oncologist added that while many people assume colon cancer always causes pain, the most crucial warning sign is, in fact, blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
“I can’t tell you how many patients I’ve had who had noticed blood in their stool over the course of months or even years, or more before seeing me,” Doctor Zafar explained.
Another crucial sign, according to the expert, is stomach pain or cramping that doesn't go away.
“Pain or cramping that doesn’t resolve, or unexplained weight loss, is another really important symptom,” he stressed.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Bowel cancer can develop without producing warning signs
|GETTY
“So if you’re losing weight but it’s not because you’re dieting or exercising, pay attention to that."
“Remember, there may be no symptoms at all,” Doctor Zafar reminded viewers in his final warning.
This makes regular screenings paramount for catching the disease in its infancy, even when individuals feel perfectly healthy.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs listed above, you must speak to your GP.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter