Overview
Colon cancer arises in the large intestine, often from small growths (polyps) that turn cancerous over years. It is rising among Nigerians, including younger adults, and its early signs — bleeding and a changed bowel habit — are too often dismissed as pile. Found early it is highly curable; screening and prompt checks make the difference.
Symptoms
- Blood in or on the stool, or dark stools
- A lasting change in bowel habit — new constipation or diarrhoea
- Stools becoming persistently narrower
- Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
- Feeling the bowel never empties completely
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness from anaemia
Causes & risk factors
- Polyps in the bowel becoming cancerous over time
- Family history of bowel cancer or polyps
- Diets low in fibre and high in red or processed meat
- Obesity, inactivity, smoking and heavy alcohol
- Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease
Treatment & self-care
Diagnosis is by colonoscopy with biopsy; treatment combines surgery and, when needed, chemotherapy, with excellent outcomes in early stages. Any rectal bleeding or persistent bowel change deserves examination rather than years of pile remedies. A high-fibre diet, exercise and moderating red meat and alcohol lower risk; those with strong family history should ask about earlier screening.
See a doctor urgently if
- Blood in the stool — get examined at least once, never assume pile
- A change in bowel habit lasting more than a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss or persistent abdominal pain
- Unexplained anaemia
- Strong family history of bowel cancer