Five colon cancer symptoms that can save your life

One set of symptoms that should always get attention are those connected to your bowels. The topic may not be one you care to acknowledge but ignoring the symptoms connected to colon cancer could cost you your life. When detected early, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90 percent.

If you experience the following symptoms, it does not mean that you definitely have colon cancer. These symptoms can also indicate infection, hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome. However, letting your doctor know you are experiencing any of these symptoms can make it possible to be sure of the cause and possibly avoid developing serious issues including colon cancer. Here is a list of symptoms from the American Cancer Society.

1. Noticeable change in bowel habits — If you begin to notice that you are experiencing frequent diarrhea or constipation, it could mean there is a problem. If you also notice that your stools have become very narrow, it is time to talk to your doctor.

2. Bleeding — If your stools become very dark or appear to be bloody, it is important to let your doctor know. Another sign of a possible issue is rectal bleeding. Both of these things are not normal and should be checked by your doctor.

3. Cramping or abdominal pain — If you begin to experience a cramping feeling or other abdominal pain, check with your doctor. This could mean there is a problem with your bowels.

4. Weakness or fatigue — When your bowels are not functioning properly, you may begin to feel tired or weak. If this feeling continues, speak with your physician.

5. Unexplained weight loss — Losing weight when you aren’t trying to take off the pounds could indicate that there is an issue with your colon or other body function. Even though you may be pleased to shed a few pounds, you should be concerned if you aren’t working to lose weight.

Early detection of colon cancer can save your life so be aware of these symptoms if they occur. There are also steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer including maintaining a healthy weight, getting moderate, regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and controlling your alcohol intake. If you are a smoker, you may want to take steps to stop as soon as possible.

Dealing with the diagnosis
People who are diagnosed with colon cancer will need to undergo treatment based on the stage of the cancer. Anytime there is a serious condition that requires hospitalization and surgery, there will need to be a time of recovery. Getting the best care during this time of recovery can help speed up the process.

Glenview Terrace offers a Colorectal Care Program that is an interdisciplinary and patient-centered system of post-operative care designed for the best possible outcomes. Each guest is carefully evaluated by the on-staff, board-certified colorectal surgeons and receives individualized treatment resulting in fewer complication rates, decreased costs, shorter lengths of stay, fewer hospital readmissions and better patient satisfaction.

Glenview Terrace’s expert team can provide a seamless continuation of the care that began in the hospital after the surgery. There is a nurse trained in ostomy wound care as well as attentive staff providing care all day and all night. Experienced therapists provide one-on-one therapy seven days a week, and staff clinicians work to create a diet with the needed nutrition for recovery. Guests will also be able to get questions about their condition answered by experienced staff. A transitional team is  available to help with returning home.

Glenview Terrace received Medicare’s highest five-star quality rating, which is further reassurance of the rehabilitation center’s outstanding services, expertise and clinical outcomes.

All of this highly qualified care is delivered in an elegant setting featuring meticulously landscaped grounds and spacious, well-appointed rooms with deluxe, walk-in bathrooms. Guests during a short-term rehabilitation stay can also choose to relax in their rooms with a stunning array of amenities like concierge service, coffee and newspaper delivered every morning and dozens of cable channels with an exclusive channel featuring new movies.

Team up with the acclaimed experts at Glenview Terrace who can provide the best colorectal care — or care for any medical challenge you may face. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.