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Bowel Incontinence And Colorectal Cancer: What Doctors Want You To Know
HuffPost • • health
Key Points:
- Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., with rates rising notably among young people since 1995.
- Bowel incontinence, though not common, can be a sign of colorectal cancer, especially in rectal cancer cases where tumor growth affects stool control, but it usually appears in more advanced stages.
- Early symptoms of colorectal cancer often include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue, highlighting the importance of early detection and screening.
- Prevention strategies emphasize lifestyle changes such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, limiting red meat, increasing dietary fiber, staying physically active, and undergoing regular screenings, especially for those with higher risk or family history.
- Treatment options have improved significantly, with early-stage colorectal cancer often treatable by surgery alone, while advanced cases may require chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted immunotherapies tailored to the patient.
