The 10 Most Common Cancers: Know The Signs and Symptoms

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a sort of umbrella term for any cancer of the colon or rectal cavity. Among men and women combined, colorectal cancers are the second leading cause of cancer deaths in North America. Of the roughly 135,000 expected new cases this year, just over 50,000 of them will be fatal. Sadly, it’s estimated that 60 percent of these deaths could have been avoided with preventative screening and testing. It is believed that one in three North Americans is not up-to-date on their colorectal screening and that a whopping 23 million adults have never been tested. There’s also an added hereditary threat with colorectal cancer: 25 percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer will be able to find someone else in their family who’s also had it.

The colon is a part of the large intestine and as such, when cancer begins to grow here, symptoms almost always are seen around bowel movements. Unexplained changes in the stool that last more than a month are a definite red flag as well as persistent cramps, gas or pain. Other symptoms include blood either found in stool or coming from the rectum. Weight loss and unexplained fatigue are also a good warning sign that something serious needs to be checked out.