Constipation and rectal bleeding should never be ignored; they can signal serious health issues, including colorectal cancer.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer and Its Rising Cases Among Young Adults
Colorectal cancer is increasingly diagnosed in younger individuals, a trend highlighted by Dr. Laila Rashidi. This alarming development underscores the importance of early detection and awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms regardless of age or apparent health status. Advocacy for oneself can be crucial, especially when encountering unusual symptoms such as constipation and rectal bleeding, which may indicate severe conditions like colorectal cancer.
Katie Dutton's journey serves as a stark reminder of this urgency. At just 33, she was a healthy, active nurse, but her diagnosis of rectal cancer began with seemingly benign symptoms that were mistakenly dismissed by healthcare professionals. Initially, Dutton began experiencing constipation during a vacation in May 2022, reporting to have not had a bowel movement for an entire week.
In December of the same year, during another episode, bright red blood appeared after a bowel movement, soon followed by consistent bleeding. When she presented these alarming symptoms to her doctor, the assumption was hemorrhoids due to the constipation, and she was advised to increase her fiber intake.
Recognizing Critical Symptoms: Constipation and Rectal Bleeding
Constipation can be a warning sign for colorectal cancer. As Dr. Rashidi notes, if a tumor grows large enough, it can obstruct stool passage. Some patients may even mistake liquid stool around a tumor as diarrhea. The presence of rectal bleeding is viewed as a "red flag symptom" for further evaluation. Bright red blood typically indicates bleeding close to the rectum, potentially indicating hemorrhoids or even cancer. Conversely, darker blood suggests a source higher up in the colon.
Katie's experience of being active and healthy, including running a 12k shortly after her symptoms began, exemplifies how cancer does not discriminate based on lifestyle or age. In fact, rectal cancer accounts for approximately 30% of new colorectal cancer cases in the U.S., as emphasized by the American Cancer Society.
The Importance of Seeking Further Evaluation
Katie finally sought a second opinion from a new primary care doctor in June 2023, which led to a referral for a colonoscopy. This procedure ultimately revealed a large polyp that set her diagnosis in motion. The journey from initial symptoms to diagnosis exemplifies why listening to one’s body is vital. Symptoms like changes in bowel habits, consistent bleeding, and abdominal pain can herald serious illnesses.
Dutton's path to her cancer diagnosis encompassed multiple stages of testing, including a biopsy that later confirmed her polyp was precancerous. Even after this diagnosis, doctors continued to test due to an enlarged lymph node nearby, confirming Stage 3B rectal cancer on Black Friday in November 2023. A mix of relief and shock defined her reaction to the official diagnosis; she emphasized that the uncertainty experienced while waiting for answers proved to be the hardest part.
Advocating for Yourself: The Key to Early Detection
Dutton's experience underscores an urgent message: be proactive about your health. “If I could do it again, I would have been a lot more aggressive with asking for a colonoscopy much earlier,” she shares.
One often overlooked point is that colorectal cancer is increasingly seen in younger adults, and this demographic shift in risk profiles necessitates increased awareness and vigilance. As Dr. Rashidi points out, half of her colorectal cancer patients are under 50. Regardless of family history or other risk factors, anyone can be affected.
Steps You Can Take to Prevent Colorectal Cancer
If you encounter symptoms like those experienced by Dutton, consider the following steps
- Listen to Your Body: Don’t minimize changes in bowel habits or other symptoms.
- Seek Medical Help: Consult with a doctor about your symptoms, and if unsure, seek a second opinion.
- Request a Colonoscopy: If you have symptoms like rectal bleeding, persistent constipation, or changes in bowel habits, advocating for a colonoscopy is vital.
- Educate Yourself: Understand the importance of colonoscopies and screenings in preventing colorectal cancer.
Ongoing Treatment and Awareness
Dutton underwent four months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove the mass from her rectum, followed by an additional two months of chemotherapy. Currently, she is being closely monitored with regular imaging and lab work, crucial for detecting any recurrence.
Her experience serves to caution others and highlights the necessity of being vocal about symptoms and health concerns. Healthcare professionals may not always recognize the significance of early warning signs, leading patients to confuse benign symptoms with something less serious.
Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Health
Monitoring your body’s changes, especially concerning bowel health, is essential. Be assertive in pursuing medical advice and never hesitate to voice concerns when symptoms arise. This proactive approach can ultimately make a difference in outcomes, safeguarding against colorectal cancer. Dutton's story reiterates: the stakes are too high; don’t take any symptom lightly.
Know the rectal bleeding causes and consult medical professionals as needed to rule out severe conditions. Taking charge of your health and advocating for yourself can be empowering and potentially lifesaving.