The human body can be affected by more than 200 types of cancer. Some forms of the disease are more common than others. According to figures from Public Health Francethe evolution of the incidence rate combined with demographic changes have led to a doubling of the number of new cases of cancer since 1990 in men and women.
Among the most common forms of cancer is colorectal cancer, which is increasing among people under 50 and is now in third place among men and second among women, according to theInstitut national du cancerIts mortality rate is more than 17,000 deaths per year.
It is therefore essential to be aware of all the warning signs. This is what American doctor Joe Whittington wanted to encourage in a TikTok video, by listing the four symptoms of colorectal cancer that are most often ignored.
Very thin stools
If you notice that your stools are “ unusually thin “, it could be a sign of colorectal cancer. A cancerous mass in the colon can change the size and shape of stools, says Dr. Jones. If this symptom is sporadic, it’s probably not serious. But if you notice pencil-thin stools on a regular basis, it’s time to see a doctor.
A need to go to the toilet frequently
If you go to the toilet but don’t feel like you can empty your bowels properly, you should speak to your GP. Dr Joe Whittington says: This sensation may be subtle but can be a significant sign of colon cancer because it can mimic constipation. “This sensation would be particularly common if the tumor is located in the rectum. It translates into an almost constant need to go to the toilet.
A bad thing for two
Back pain is a common condition, often caused by age or general tension. However, in rare cases, “ This also happens when a colon tumor puts pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves, or if the cancer spreads to the spine or pelvis ” explains the doctor.
Blood in stool
Finally, Dr. Joe Whittington added: “ There are many causes of blood in the stool, but in the case of cancer, it could indicate tumors that are bleeding as they grow. Clearly, these symptoms can be something other than cancer, and sometimes nothing at all. But if they persist, be sure to talk to your doctor about getting a screening colonoscopy. »
Source: www.topsante.com