Nearly 150,000 cases of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in the United States every year and its common symptoms are anemia, lethargy, dizziness and fatigue. However, regular screening could help apprehend this disease at a stage when it could be easily and fully treatable, which is pointed out by the American Cancer Society.
The problem with waiting for the symptoms of this type of cancer to appear is that they are similar to the symptoms of other disorders. Since the symptoms of colorectal cancer can be mistaken for those of gastroenteritis (such as pain of the abdomen, changes in bowel movements and weight loss) it may be that cancer is not suspected. The person may instead receive treatment for gastro and similar disorders.
It is therefore advised by doctors that a screening colonoscopy be conducted in order to catch colorectal cancer out at an early, treatable stage.
Since people may be uncomfortable with the idea or unwilling to undergo a colonoscopy, they often find some reason not to undergo it; however it is something that could well end up saving lives if routinely performed, warn doctors.
Factors that increase risk of colorectal cancer are smoking, excess alcohol consumption, obesity and certain other health conditions such as diabetes, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Source: Penn Live
