Woman with stage four colon cancer reveals 5 warning signs she ignored in the beginning

Serious illnesses like cancer are likely to develop over a prolonged period. In the initial stages, the growth is likely to be slower and if diagnosed, can be impactfully treated. With medical advancement, more and more awareness is being shared about different types of cancer symptoms to save lives. A woman named Radwah (@radwah.oda) shared a video revealing five symptoms she experienced before she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She, unfortunately, dismissed the signs initially and that's why, she urged people to be more observant. 

1. Thin stools

The woman noted that every time she used the washroom, her stools were “pencil-thin.” She shared a glimpse of a marker and revealed that the size was around the same. However, she had dismissed the signs, assuming it was constipation. While narrow stools are not often something to be worried about, if they are “pencil-thin" like the woman noted, it could be a sign of a colon blockage caused due to health conditions like colon cancer, per Mayo Clinic. 

2. Blood in stool 

Radwah mentioned that she’d find traces of blood in her stools every time she used the washroom. She ignored it, thinking it could be hemorrhoids. While blood can be seen in stool for a variety of reasons, including that of hemorrhoids, it can be a symptom of colon cancer too, per MD Anderson. It can appear to be bright red blood which is similar to hemorrhoids and doctors suggest the best way to clarify is getting a colonoscopy. 

3. Never satisfied after using the restroom 

The woman recalled using the washroom and still feeling uneasy. “It’d feel like I still needed to go more. I would keep pushing and pushing but nothing would come out,” she noted. This can happen when there’s no complete elimination due to changes in colon and bowel movements, per Colon Cancer Coalition. It is recommended that one seek a physician to determine the cause. 

4. Pain 

Radwah noted that she would experience pain in her lower right abdomen — specifically under her breast. However, she dismissed the pain, thinking it was her bra that was too tight. Only 15% of people admit that they have abdomen pain as a symptom of colon cancer, per MD Anderson. Pain is usually caused in the right abdomen with a feeling of bloating or uneasiness. This, again, is due to a blockage in the colon, causing changes in internal functioning. 

5. Fatigue

The woman noted that chronic fatigue can also be a sign of colon cancer. She recalled feeling very tired all day despite getting sufficient sleep. She also noted that coffee, sleep and other remedies wouldn’t take away the exhaustion. She assumed it to be due to work or so, but it was actually a symptom warning her of her health. Rectal bleeding can cause an iron deficiency which can result in feeling fatigued all the time. Having any of these symptoms doesn’t always mean it’s cancer. However, it is best to check with a doctor to rule out the possibility.

You can follow Radwah (@radwah.oda) for more content on health and lifestyle.