Early Signs of Colon Cancer You Should Never Ignore
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in India today. Yet, many people ignore the early warning signs. They assume it is just a stomach problem or a digestive issue. This delay can cost lives.
Every year, thousands of patients in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu are diagnosed with colon cancer. Many of them come to the doctor only when the disease has already reached an advanced stage. This is a serious concern.
The good news is that colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Those seeking colon cancer treatment in Chennai now have access to world-class care, advanced technology, and experienced specialists who can deliver the best possible outcomes.
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is one such specialist. With over 17+ years of experience in robotic and laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, he has successfully treated hundreds of patients with colon and colorectal cancers. He brings together deep surgical expertise, cutting-edge robotic technology, and a patient-first approach that gives every patient the best chance at recovery.
Knowing the warning signs of colon cancer can save your life. Read this blog carefully. It could make all the difference.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer begins in the large intestine. The large intestine is also called the colon. It is the final part of the digestive tract.
Cancer usually starts as small, non-cancerous clumps of cells. These are called polyps. Over time, some polyps turn cancerous. This process can take years. That is why early detection is so important.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone can develop colon cancer. But some people are at higher risk. You should be more careful if you:
- Are above 45 years of age
- Have a family history of colon cancer
- Eat a diet high in red meat and processed foods
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Are overweight or obese
- Smoke or drink alcohol regularly
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
If you fall into any of these categories, please do not wait for symptoms. Schedule a screening with a qualified gastroenterologist in Chennai today.
Early Signs of Colon Cancer You Should Never Ignore:
1. Changes in Bowel Habits:
This is one of the most common early signs. Pay attention if you notice:
- Diarrhoea that lasts more than a few days
- Constipation that does not improve
- Alternating between constipation and loose stools
- Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
These changes, especially when they last for more than two weeks, must be evaluated. Do not assume it is just a dietary issue.
2. Blood in the Stool:
This is a major warning sign. Many people ignore blood in the stool. They often blame it on piles or haemorrhoids. That is a dangerous assumption.
Bright red blood or very dark, tarry stools can both be signs of colon cancer. If you see blood in your stool even once, please see a doctor immediately.
A specialist offering colon cancer treatment in Chennai will run the necessary tests to rule out or confirm cancer.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss:
Are you losing weight without trying? This is not a good sign. Sudden, unexplained weight loss of more than 4-5 kg within a few months can signal a serious health issue.
In colon cancer, the tumour can affect your appetite and metabolism. Your body may also be using more energy to fight the cancer. Do not ignore unexpected weight loss.
4. Persistent Abdominal Pain or Cramping:
Mild stomach pain after a heavy meal is normal. But persistent cramping, gas, or abdominal discomfort is not.
If you feel stomach pain that keeps coming back, or if you feel bloated often without a clear reason, get it checked. Colon cancer can cause blockages and inflammation that lead to these symptoms.
5. Unexplained Fatigue and Weakness:
Feeling tired all the time? Constant fatigue that does not improve with rest is a warning sign. Colon cancer can cause internal bleeding. This leads to a drop in haemoglobin. Low haemoglobin causes anaemia, which makes you feel weak and tired.
If you are always exhausted and also have any of the other symptoms listed here, please see a doctor without delay.
6. A Feeling of Fullness or Bloating:
Do you feel full very quickly when eating? Or do you feel bloated even when you have not eaten much? This can happen when a tumour causes partial blockage in the colon.
This symptom is easy to dismiss. Most people blame it on indigestion or acidity. But if it persists, it needs to be investigated.
7. Nausea or Vomiting:
Nausea is another symptom that is often ignored. When a tumour grows in the colon, it can disrupt normal digestion. This may lead to nausea and sometimes vomiting.
If you have recurring nausea without any obvious cause, it is time to get checked by a specialist.
Why Early Detection Matters?
Colon cancer caught in Stage 1 or Stage 2 has a very high survival rate. But cancer detected in Stage 4 is much harder to treat.
The tragedy is that many patients in India come to the doctor only when the cancer is already at an advanced stage. This happens because early symptoms are mild and easy to ignore.
Please do not wait. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, see a doctor right away.
How Is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?
Your doctor will first take a detailed history and examine you. They may order:
- Colonoscopy – The gold standard test for detecting colon cancer
- CT scan – To see the spread of cancer
- Blood tests – Including CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) levels
- Biopsy – To confirm if the growth is cancerous
A colorectal surgeon in Chennai with experience in GI oncology will guide you through the right diagnostic pathway.
Treatment Options for Colon Cancer:
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer. Options include:
- Surgery – Removing the tumour and affected tissue
- Chemotherapy – Using medicines to kill cancer cells
- Radiation therapy – Using targeted radiation
- Targeted therapy – Newer medicines that attack specific cancer cells
Surgery remains the most effective treatment for most cases of colon cancer. Today, surgery has become much safer and less painful thanks to minimally invasive techniques.
Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery for Colon Cancer:
Modern surgical techniques have revolutionised colon cancer treatment. A skilled laparoscopic surgeon in Chennai can remove colon tumours through tiny cuts. This means:
- Less pain after surgery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Minimal blood loss
- Smaller scars
An experienced robotic surgeon in Chennai takes this even further. Robotic surgery uses the da Vinci Surgical System. This gives the surgeon greater precision, flexibility, and control. The robotic arms can reach areas that are difficult to access with standard laparoscopic tools.
Meet Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy – Your Trusted Specialist in Chennai:
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is one of the most experienced robotic and laparoscopic GI oncosurgeons in Chennai. He is a MS, DNB (GI Surgery), FMAS, FMIAS qualified surgeon with over 17 years of experience in advanced gastrointestinal surgery.
He is trained in the da Vinci Si Surgical System and has performed complex surgeries on the stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, and oesophagus. He has co-authored 34 research papers in national and international journals. He has presented at prestigious conferences including the IHPBA World Congress in Geneva and AHPBA 2019 in Seoul, South Korea.
Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy consults at:
- Apollo Super Speciality Hospital, 320, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600035
- SS Surgical Clinic, 2nd Main Road, CIT Colony, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004
📞 Call: 96772 31111
🌐 Website: www.drsrivatsan.com
📧 Email: drsrivatsan12@gmail.com
Conclusion:
Do not ignore what your body is telling you. Early symptoms like blood in stool or changed bowel habits are red flags. If you notice these signs, seek medical help immediately.
For expert consultation and advanced surgical care, you can visit Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy at his clinics in Chennai.
Early detection saves lives. Schedule your screening today.