This unnoticed symptom could signal internal bleeding and cancer—A doctor uncovers the shocking truth!
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In the tapestry of health concerns that we face as we age, cancer remains one of the most formidable threads. It's a word that can send shivers down the spine, and for good reason.
With statistics from the American Cancer Society indicating that one in two men and one in three women in the US will develop cancer in their lifetime, it's crucial to stay vigilant about the signs and symptoms of this pervasive disease.
But what if the signs are not as clear as we think? What if a subtle symptom, easily overlooked, could be a symptom of something as serious as internal bleeding and cancer?
Dr. Robin Clark, the medical director at Bupa Health Insurance, has spoken out about a subtle sign of cancer that could indicate internal bleeding.
Dr. Clark points out that while weight loss might be a goal for some, when it's unexplained and unintentional, it could be a less common but significant symptom of cancer, particularly bowel cancer.
This type of cancer can interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients from food, leading to weight loss that isn't linked to diet or exercise changes.
But the subtleties don't end there. You might not feel like eating due to nausea, bloating, or a lack of appetite—all of which could be your body's way of signaling that something is amiss.
It's not the most pleasant of topics, but being attuned to your bowel movements could indeed be a lifesaver.
Dr. Clark emphasizes that persistent changes in the color, shape, and texture of your stool that last more than a few days warrant attention. These alterations could be indicative of infections, digestive issues, or more severe conditions like cancer.
Constipation might be a sign, but more commonly, bowel cancer presents with looser stools or an increased frequency in the need to use the restroom.
Other symptoms to watch for include bloating, abdominal pain, or mucus in the stool.
One of the most alarming signs, according to Dr. Clark, is the presence of black or dark red stool, or bloody diarrhea.
This could be a direct indication of internal bleeding, potentially from a tumor, and should prompt an urgent visit to your healthcare provider.
Patients with bowel cancer might also experience anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to its tissues.
This internal bleeding from the tumor might not always be visible in the stool, making a diagnosis of anemia a subtle clue that something more serious could be occurring within.
The lack of iron resulting from this internal bleeding can leave you feeling unusually fatigued, another symptom that's easy to dismiss but could be significant.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and Dr. Clark stresses the importance of speaking to a medical professional if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned.
Any unexplained changes, no matter your age, should be taken seriously and addressed with a healthcare provider without delay.
If you or someone you know has been affected by these issues and needs someone to talk to, the American Cancer Society offers confidential support at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Also read: Doctors warn: 5 alarming signs of colon cancer you can't ignore—are you at risk?
Have you or a loved one experienced any of these symptoms? How did you navigate the healthcare system to get the answers you needed? Your stories could provide comfort and guidance to others facing similar challenges.
With statistics from the American Cancer Society indicating that one in two men and one in three women in the US will develop cancer in their lifetime, it's crucial to stay vigilant about the signs and symptoms of this pervasive disease.
But what if the signs are not as clear as we think? What if a subtle symptom, easily overlooked, could be a symptom of something as serious as internal bleeding and cancer?
Dr. Robin Clark, the medical director at Bupa Health Insurance, has spoken out about a subtle sign of cancer that could indicate internal bleeding.
Dr. Clark points out that while weight loss might be a goal for some, when it's unexplained and unintentional, it could be a less common but significant symptom of cancer, particularly bowel cancer.
This type of cancer can interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients from food, leading to weight loss that isn't linked to diet or exercise changes.
But the subtleties don't end there. You might not feel like eating due to nausea, bloating, or a lack of appetite—all of which could be your body's way of signaling that something is amiss.
Dr. Robin Clark from Bupa Health Insurance highlighted a subtle sign of cancer which could indicate internal bleeding. Image source: Pixabay.
It's not the most pleasant of topics, but being attuned to your bowel movements could indeed be a lifesaver.
Dr. Clark emphasizes that persistent changes in the color, shape, and texture of your stool that last more than a few days warrant attention. These alterations could be indicative of infections, digestive issues, or more severe conditions like cancer.
Constipation might be a sign, but more commonly, bowel cancer presents with looser stools or an increased frequency in the need to use the restroom.
Other symptoms to watch for include bloating, abdominal pain, or mucus in the stool.
One of the most alarming signs, according to Dr. Clark, is the presence of black or dark red stool, or bloody diarrhea.
This could be a direct indication of internal bleeding, potentially from a tumor, and should prompt an urgent visit to your healthcare provider.
Patients with bowel cancer might also experience anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to its tissues.
This internal bleeding from the tumor might not always be visible in the stool, making a diagnosis of anemia a subtle clue that something more serious could be occurring within.
The lack of iron resulting from this internal bleeding can leave you feeling unusually fatigued, another symptom that's easy to dismiss but could be significant.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and Dr. Clark stresses the importance of speaking to a medical professional if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned.
Any unexplained changes, no matter your age, should be taken seriously and addressed with a healthcare provider without delay.
If you or someone you know has been affected by these issues and needs someone to talk to, the American Cancer Society offers confidential support at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Also read: Doctors warn: 5 alarming signs of colon cancer you can't ignore—are you at risk?
Have you or a loved one experienced any of these symptoms? How did you navigate the healthcare system to get the answers you needed? Your stories could provide comfort and guidance to others facing similar challenges.
