A woman diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer has shared the early warning signs she noticed, symptoms that, if heeded earlier, could have potentially led to a diagnosis before the disease progressed to an advanced stage.
Ellie Wilcock, a courageous woman battling stage 4 colorectal cancer, took to social media to reveal the four symptoms she experienced before receiving her devastating diagnosis. These symptoms are not the typical indicators that come to mind when thinking about colorectal cancer, but they were crucial signs that she wishes she had recognized sooner.
1. Abdominal Pain
Ellie shared on TikTok that her first symptom was pain on the left side of her abdomen and pelvis. Initially, she thought it might be a urinary tract infection that had possibly spread to her kidneys because the pain was one-sided and extended from front to back. However, tests revealed no signs of infection.
“All my infection markers were normal, so I didn’t have an infection, and that’s why I went on to have further tests,” she said. Abdominal pain, pelvic mass, and bloating are common symptoms of colorectal cancer, but for people with conditions like IBS, these symptoms can be overlooked as they mimic regular digestive issues.
2. Fatigue
Another symptom Ellie experienced was fatigue. She maintained a busy schedule of work, gym workouts, and socializing before her diagnosis. But then, she found herself exhausted, just coming home and sleeping in the evenings.
Fatigue is a common symptom of many cancers, and even the NHS lists feeling “very tired for no obvious reason” as a warning sign of colorectal cancer. However, this symptom can also present in many non-cancerous conditions.
3. Changes in Bowel Habits
Ellie also shared about changes in her bowel habits, a symptom she didn’t immediately recognize. “Third was a change in bowel habits and blood in my stool,” she said. This is an important sign to watch out for, as it could indicate colorectal cancer. Early signs include changes in stool consistency, unusual diarrhea or constipation, altered bowel frequency, blood in the stool (which can be red or black), and a feeling of incomplete evacuation, even after just having a bowel movement.
4. Loss of Appetite
Lastly, Ellie mentioned a loss of appetite, which can lead to unexplained weight loss. While she didn’t experience consistent weight loss, she sometimes felt nauseous and didn’t want to eat much. “My digestive system was obviously not right,” she said.
According to the NHS, unintentional weight loss and bloating are symptoms of colorectal cancer. However, these symptoms can also indicate other non-cancerous conditions.
Conclusion
Ellie hopes that by sharing her story, she can raise awareness of the early signs of colorectal cancer. If you experience any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. Your health is a top priority, and early detection can lead to more effective treatment.
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