Along with breast and prostate cancer, colon cancer is one of the most fatal forms of the disease, affecting thousands of adults every year. As with most illnesses, the quicker it’s caught, the better. Here are four signs it’s time to schedule a colonoscopy right away.  

4 Symptoms of Colon Cancer

1. Chronic Fatigue

Many factors can cause chronic fatigue, including not getting adequate shut-eye due to stress, pain, or anxiety. But if you are always tired and cannot pinpoint the cause (such as lack of sleep), see your doctor as soon as possible as it may be a symptom of a severe illness. Colon cancer causes internal blood loss, and cancer cells consume energy as well.

2. BM Irregularities

The nature of your bowel movements can tell you a lot about your health. Irregular bowel movements, including diarrhea, constipation, or changes in consistency that last more than a few weeks may indicate a serious issue, mainly if you have not made any significant dietary changes. See your doctor as soon as possible, especially if there is blood in the stool. Blood may indicate internal bleeding.

3. Sudden Weight Loss

Have you lost a significant amount of weight in a short period unintentionally? It may be caused by the decrease in appetite that occurs with abdominal discomfort. Schedule a colonoscopy right away, particularly if other symptoms accompany weight loss.

4. Urinary Tract Issues

Bacteria typically cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), but if you develop them frequently, it may be a sign of a larger issue. Colon cancer disrupts the waste removal process, straining the surrounding organs, including the bladder and urinary tract, which may become impacted, resulting in frequent infections. You may also feel as though you still have to go to the bathroom immediately after going, a sign of issues with the large intestine. 

If you have any of these symptoms, schedule a colonoscopy today. If you’re in the Queens, NY, area, turn to Main Street Radiology in Bayside. They’ve served the community for nearly 50 years, providing a range of services including mammograms and colonoscopies, as well as MRIs and bone density testing. Call (718) 428-1500 to speak with a helpful team member or visit the website to learn more about how they can help you.