Why Waiting Until You Have Symptoms Could Be Risky: Silent Signs of Colon Cancer Everyone Should Know
“I feel fine. Why would I need a colonoscopy?”
We hear it all the time. And we get it; No one wants to think about cancer, especially when you’re not feeling sick.
But here’s the truth: colon cancer can grow quietly, with few or no symptoms until it’s in a more advanced (and harder to treat) stage.
That’s why regular screening (with a colonoscopy) is so powerful…and potentially life-saving. Catching precancerous polyps during a colonoscopy before they turn into cancer is one of the best tools we have, yet many people delay screening simply because they feel fine.
At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich., we want to change that.
Colon Cancer: The Silent Invader
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., yet you can prevent colon cancer. How? With a colonoscopy that helps us find and remove polyps before they become a problem.
But what makes it tricky is that colon cancer often develops without major warning signs, so you may not think you have to get a colonoscopy. Then when symptoms do appear, the disease is usually more advanced. That’s why waiting for symptoms is a risk you shouldn’t take.
The best attack? Have a colonoscopy by age 45, or sooner if you have family history or risk factors. (Learn about what your first colonoscopy is like here)
7 Silent (or Easy-to-Miss) Signs of Colon Cancer
While many people won’t have symptoms at all in the early stages, some reasons you may need a colonoscopy can include:
- Unexplained fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, even after rest.
- Changes in bowel habits: Ongoing constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool shape or frequency.
- Blood in stool: Sometimes visible, sometimes microscopic. Either way, it’s a red flag.
- Abdominal cramping or discomfort: Especially if persistent or unexplained.
- Unintended weight loss: Losing weight without trying should never be ignored.
- Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely: A sense of incomplete evacuation can be a subtle sign.
- Low iron levels or anemia: Often discovered during routine bloodwork; may signal chronic bleeding in the colon.
Remember: These signs don’t always mean cancer. But they do mean you should speak with a GI specialist now and not wait.
The Power of Prevention: Get Screened at 45 (or Sooner If You’re High Risk)
If you’re 45 or older, the time to schedule your first colonoscopy is now…even if you feel great.
You may also need earlier or more frequent screenings if you have a family history of colon cancer or risk factors.
Not sure what your risk is? We’re here to help assess and guide you.
Our On-Site Surgical Center: Easier, Faster, and More Comfortable
We know “hospital” is not everyone’s favorite word — so here’s good news. You don’t HAVE to have a colonoscopy at a hospital.
At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., our on-site surgical center offers:
- Lower costs than hospital-based procedures
- Shorter wait times
- Quieter, more private experience
- Procedures performed by board-certified gastroenterologists you already know
It’s colonoscopy, made convenient…and personalized.
The Bottom Line: Schedule Your Colonoscopy Now
Colon cancer doesn’t always make a dramatic entrance. That’s why waiting for symptoms is a gamble you don’t have to take.
A 45-minute screening could give you years of peace of mind or even save your life.
Let’s stop colon cancer before it starts. Schedule your colonoscopy today.