These are the stages of colon cancer symptoms experienced by Hilbram Dunar
Illustration. Symptoms of colon cancer as experienced by Hilbram Dunar are divided into several stages. (iStockphoto/Tharakorn)
-- The colon cancer that presenter Hilbram Dunar was suffering from should now be of public concern. This cancer no longer only attacks the elderly, but also the productive age.
Hilbram Dunar died after battling colon cancer on Sunday (31/3). He breathed his last breath at the age of just 48 years. Like other types of cancer, colon cancer occurs due to the growth of abnormal cells in the large intestine. The large intestine itself is the last part of the digestive system. Generally, colon cancer attacks elderly people. However, now the age of colon cancer sufferers in the world is decreasing. This cancer now also attacks people of productive age.
Quoting the Mayo Clinic page, colon cancer usually starts from small clumps of cells or polyps. Although generally not cancerous, some polyps can turn into cancer over time. The presence of polyps in the large intestine often causes no symptoms. Therefore, many doctors advise people to regularly undergo colon screening.
Colon cancer symptoms
Many people with colon cancer do not experience any symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms will depend on its size and location in the colon. Apart from that, the symptoms of colon cancer like those suffered by Hilbram Dunar also usually progress as the stage increases. Here's more, citing WebMD.
Stage 0
At this stage, cancer cells are found in the inner lining of the large intestine or rectum, but have not spread. At this stage, usually not a single symptom appears.
Stage I
Illustration. Symptoms of colon cancer like those experienced by Hilbram Dunar are divided into several stages. (iStockphoto/Raycat)
At this stage, cancer cells have spread through the lining of the large intestine and grown into the muscle layer. The following symptoms can appear:
- cramps or stomach ache,
- bloated,
- change in shape or color of feces,
- bleeding in the rectum,
- blood in the feces,
- constipation,
- diarrhea.
Stage II
At this stage, the cancer has spread to the colon wall and surrounding tissue. However, cancer cells have not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
At this stage, the symptoms that appear can be the same as stage I.
Stage III
At this stage, the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Here are some of the symptoms that appear:
- weight loss without cause,
- fatigue,
- change in the duration of defecation,
- vomit.
Stage IV
In stage IV, cancer cells have spread to other body organs, including stomach tissue. The following symptoms can appear at this stage:
- jaundice,
- swollen hands and feet,
- difficulty breathing,
- chronic headaches,
- blurred vision,
- fracture.
In addition, pelvic pain and anemia due to bleeding in the intestines can also occur at this stage. These are a number of symptoms of colon cancer as experienced by Hilbram Dunar. Don't forget to carry out screening if you experience the symptoms above.