A woman shared her story on TikTok about being diagnosed with stage three colon cancer at the age of 24 after initially dismissing her symptoms. Paige Seifert emphasized the importance of taking even seemingly minor health changes seriously. She highlighted three symptoms that prompted her to seek medical attention, urging others to do the same.
Fatigue, often attributed to factors like lack of sleep or excessive exercise, can also indicate underlying health issues such as vitamin deficiencies or hormonal imbalances, including cancer. Persistent fatigue warrants consultation with a healthcare provider. Paige stressed the significance of recognizing unusual fatigue patterns as a potential red flag.
Paige’s experience revealed that stomach discomfort, even sporadic in nature, can be a significant indicator of colon cancer. She described feeling off-kilter with symptoms like nausea, stomach pains, and cramping. It’s crucial not to overlook recurring stomach issues and to seek medical advice promptly.
Noticing blood in stool can be a primary sign of colon cancer, though it can also be related to conditions like hemorrhoids. The NHS advises seeking medical attention if blood in stool persists for three weeks or is accompanied by severe pain around the rectal area. Paige emphasized the importance of not dismissing blood in stool and advocating for further diagnostic evaluation when other symptoms are present.
Colon cancer, a prevalent form of cancer in the UK, underscores the importance of recognizing its symptoms early for effective treatment. Seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms for three weeks or more is crucial. Urgent medical consultation is advised for specific symptoms like black or dark red stool or bloody diarrhea. In cases of continuous bleeding or excessive blood loss, immediate medical assistance should be sought via A&E or emergency services.
For more information on bowel cancer symptoms, visit the NHS website.