Colon cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Growing slowly, this cancer causes symptoms as the disease takes hold…
Every year in France, 20,000 women find out they have colorectal cancer (including colon and rectal cancer). “it is Second most common cancer in womenBehind breast cancer” reminds us of Dr. Mathilde Soule, a digestive surgeon at the Hospital des Pupliers in Paris. On January 17, a press release issued by Kensington Palace announced that Kate MiddletonPrincess of Wales, bear “surgical intervention of the abdomen Scheduled“, that she will remain Hospitalized in between10 and 14 days“and in Sobriety more than 2 months. Very quickly, the state of his health gave rise to interesting and varied hypotheses of cancer theories, especially of the colon. “If it’s not cancerous, if it’s not gallbladder, there’s not fifteen days of hospitalization and two months of recovery. It seems excessive” speculated Stefan Bern in an interview with Paris Match on January 22. In the face of these rumors, Kensington clarified that it was not cancer, without giving a specific reason for hospitalization, the Guardian reports. As a reminder, colorectal cancer expands From cells that line the inside of the colon or rectumwhere formed Polyps Which is a small growth. “It’s cancer Slow evolution : It is necessary It takes about ten years for benign polyps to develop into cancerous polyps. which is not systematic. During this time, they can be detected and treated before they develop into cancer. “Symptoms are not very specific and appear only when the disease takes hold“, refers to our interlocutor.
Bleeding in the stool should be a warning
At the beginning of its development, a polyp is just a growth in the digestive mucosa and does not cause any symptoms. years, A polyp can degenerate and develop into a cancerous adenoma, which weakens the digestive mucosa. The latter thus presents lesions and further bleeding on contact with food. The the blood Maybe in the stool Light red or vice versa very dark red. “Presence of blood in stool is a warning symptom And You should be asked to consult a doctor, Experts recommend. Women should be especially vigilant: Most women in their 50s no longer menstruate. However, she may experience bleeding after menopause. And this can delay the diagnosis : A woman may feel vaginal bleeding when there is blood in the stool“, points out Dr. Sole.
You have stomach cramps
“Associated with abdominal pain Local inflammation of the weak and more sensitive digestive mucosa“, explains Dr. Soule. The result: transportation will be modified, Flatulence And stomach cramps may occur. Abdominal pain is a symptom of many pathologies of the entire abdomen. However, abdominal pain Continuous And that appears without reason Obviously you should consult a doctor. Only the doctor’s clinical examination, relevant symptoms and additional examinations (full assessment, abdominal ultrasound, sometimes CT scan) make it possible to diagnose and provide appropriate treatment.
The frequency of your bowel movements changes suddenly
“A transit that was regular over the years and Which changes in about 3 months Represents a warning feature. This change in transit may accompany functional colonopathy or other functional bowel disorders.“, suggests the expert. Do not hesitate to consult a gastroenterologist in case of abnormal transitThat is, stools that are narrower than normal (ribbon-shaped or pencil-shaped) appear at the onset of diarrhea, alternating with prolonged constipation or both, and If the frequency of your bowel movements suddenly changes.
You lose weight suddenly
“The presence of polyps can accelerate infection and Diarrhea occurs“, underlines Dr. Sol. Acute diarrhea is characterized by very watery stools, thus leading to rapid weight loss. This symptom is not entirely specific to colorectal cancer and may or may not reveal many other digestive problems. However, when the weight loss is significant and persistent, you should consult a doctor, who can prescribe tests to find the cause of your weight loss.
You are tired all the time
Significant fatigue that does not improve with rest may be indicative of colorectal cancer. It is often linked to weakness and Deterioration in general healthDue to the development of the disease that can be very trying.
Are there any differences with symptoms in humans? Men have almost the same symptoms, although the symptoms of functional colopathy are slightly more specific to women because “Hormonal changes during menopause lead to slower transitions in women and sometimes increased bloating.Expert explains.
