UK Man Shares 'Common' Symptoms He Ignored Before His Colon Cancer Diagnosis

Colon

cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers worldwide. The best defence is early detection and that begins with recognising warning signs and seeking medical help in time.Chris Kirt, a 31-year-old man from the UK, was diagnosed with colon cancer after doctors found a five-centimetre tumour in his colon during a private screening. He says his repeated requests for testing were initially dismissed, prompting him to seek help on his own. Now cancer-free after surgery, Chris is sharing the symptoms he experienced long before his diagnosis, urging people not to ignore what may seem like 'normal' issues.

5 Early Colon Cancer Symptoms That Often Get Ignored

1. Crashing After WorkChris noticed that he would routinely fall asleep on the couch after returning from work, something that was very unlike him. Persistent and unexplained fatigue is a possible early sign of colon cancer. However, it can also be linked to stress, lifestyle and other health issues, so it should always be assessed by a medical professional.2. Excessive Night SweatsHe also experienced intense night sweats often soaking his bedsheets. While night sweats alone are not considered an early sign of colon cancer, doctors say they may occur when the disease has progressed further. This symptom should not be judged in isolation and must be evaluated by a doctor.ALSO READ: Top Doctor Reveals 4 Essential Tests for Early Cancer Detection3. Sudden Urge To Use The ToiletA frequent, sudden and unusual urge to pass stools, often at odd times can indicate a change in bowel habits. This is one of the more recognised early warning signs of colon cancer and was something Chris experienced.

4. Feeling Of Incomplete Bowel MovementFeeling like your bowel does not fully empty even after using the toilet, especially when it happens repeatedly, is another concerning symptom. Chris admits he ignored this sign initially and now urges others not to.5. Blood In StoolThe presence of blood in the stool, whether bright red or dark brown should never be ignored. Bright red blood may indicate bleeding in the rectum, while darker blood may suggest bleeding higher up in the colon. In both cases, this needs urgent medical evaluation.In short, any persistent change in bowel habits should be taken seriously. If symptoms like fatigue, unusual sweating, urge to go, incomplete bowel movements or blood in stool continue, consult a doctor without delay. Early diagnosis can be life-saving.