Bowel Cancer: What is bowel cancer? Learn about its early symptoms, which people often ignore.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Bowel Cancer Without Symptoms: Matt Eimer, 44, had spent the weekend at a barbecue with family and friends. He felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his stomach. He dismissed it, thinking it might be a bad sausage he'd eaten at the party. He took a painkiller and ignored it, but instead of the pain subsiding, it continued to worsen.

The pain worsened while Matt was celebrating his son's second birthday. Despite stomach cramps and discomfort, he tried to control himself, but seeing his condition, his wife, Sarah, insisted he be taken to a nearby hospital immediately. Tests at the hospital in Surrey, UK, revealed a large blockage in his intestine, which later turned out to be stage 4 bowel cancer.

What are the early signs of this cancer?

Doctors explained that sharp, gripping abdominal pain can be one of the early warning signs of bowel cancer, often dismissed as gas or a general stomach ache. Matt underwent surgery to remove the tumor and underwent six months of chemotherapy. However, during treatment, it was also revealed that the cancer had spread to the liver and the inner lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).

Doctors discovered that Matt had a BRAF mutation, a genetic change that causes cancer cells to grow and spread rapidly. The situation was so serious that doctors gave him only a few months to live. However, he was later given a new type of immunotherapy, which included cetuximab infusions and encorafenib. These drugs had a surprising effect, and Matt's condition began to improve.

How does bowel cancer start?

Bowel cancer, also known as colon cancer, typically begins with small polyps that form in the inner lining of the intestine. If these polyps are not removed in time, they can develop into cancer and spread to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes or bloodstream. According to experts, bowel cancer often has no early symptoms. However, signs such as prolonged abdominal pain, blood in the stool, bloating, sudden weight loss, vomiting, fatigue, and shortness of breath should never be ignored.

What does the doctor say?

Doctors say that smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, excessive consumption of junk food, red and processed meat, and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of bowel cancer. Early screening and lifestyle modifications are considered the most effective ways to prevent this serious disease.

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