Fatigue Mistaken for Pregnancy Leads too Colon Cancer Diagnosis for Indonesian Mother
Jakarta, Indonesia – An Indonesian woman, identified as McCormick, initially believed her persistent fatigue was a sign of pregnancy, only to discover it was a symptom of colon cancer. Her story, recently shared by HaiBunda.com, highlights the importance of recognizing subtle signs of the disease and seeking prompt medical attention.
McCormick underwent colonoscopies at a local facility after experiencing increasing tiredness. Medical personnel thoroughly explained her diagnosis and treatment options, including the possibility that standard chemotherapy might not be effective for her specific type of cancer. ”They took the time to explain everything to me and answer all my questions. They explained that my type of cancer may not respond to chemotherapy as the standard treatment available today. They gave me all the information I needed to make the right choice for me,” McCormick stated.
Colon cancer develops in the intestines, encompassing the colon and rectum.According to NHS England, the severity of bowel cancer is steadfast by the size of the tumor, whether it has spread, and the patient’s overall health. Symptoms can often mimic other conditions, making early detection challenging.
Common symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits – such as softer stools, diarrhea, or unusual constipation – infrequent or more frequent bowel movements, blood in the stool (which may appear red or black), bleeding from the anus, abdominal pain or bloating, lumps in the stomach, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue or shortness of breath.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing colon cancer, including being over 50 years old, smoking, excess body weight, a family history of the disease, inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), the presence of intestinal polyps, and genetic syndromes like Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.While the exact cause isn’t always known, genetic changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors all play a role.
Despite experiencing fatigue even after prosperous treatment, McCormick is now able to return to her daily activities and work. Her experience serves as a crucial reminder to be vigilant about changes in one’s health and to consult a doctor if concerning symptoms arise.