Routine blood test reveals cancer diagnosis before symptoms: ‘Caught it early’
Muddasani, who treated Ferguson, said she suspects the trend is due to “something in the environment.”
“There is no rhyme or reason to it,” she said, adding that she has treated triathletes and vegans who were diagnosed.
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Many younger patients have persistent anemia as the first warning sign, she noted, which leads to about nine out of 10 colonoscopies.
The doctor recommends getting routine CBCs (complete blood count) and BMPs (basic metabolic panel) yearly or every other year.
Symptoms to watch for
Most people who are detected in early stages don’t have symptoms, according to Muddasani.
“Most people who have symptoms usually have advanced disease or metastatic disease,” she said.
The biggest red flags linked to colorectal cancer include ongoing bleeding, persistent anemia and changes in bowel habits, according to the doctor. (iStock)
The biggest red flags linked to colorectal cancer include ongoing bleeding, persistent anemia and changes in bowel habits, according to the doctor.
The location of the cancer can also influence symptoms, she noted.
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“Patients with right-sided cancers can get to a very advanced stage while having no symptoms,” the doctor said. This is likely because the right side of the colon is wider and stool is more liquid, so tumors don’t block things as easily, according to medical sources.
Left-sided cancer patients are more likely to see noticeable signs, such as changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, or cramping and obstruction.
Prevention tips
While some risk factors, like age and family history, can’t be controlled, Muddasani said certain lifestyle changes can reduce the chance of colorectal cancers.
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“A high-fiber diet is protective,” she said. “Exercise is also protective, as is decreasing your BMI to a healthy level.”
The doctor also recommends avoiding ultraprocessed foods.
Eating a high-fiber diet and avoiding ultraprocessed foods can help to reduce colorectal cancer risk, the doctor advised. (iStock)
“Having processed meat increases the risk of colon cancer by two to three times, which is a big deal,” she said.
“We can’t control everything, but we can control diet, fiber, exercise, avoiding processed meat, just to start with some basics.”
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Overall, Muddasani said, it’s critical for people to “listen to their bodies.”
“Sometimes I have patients showing up in my office and they can’t pinpoint anything specific, but they’re like, ‘I don’t feel well. I don’t feel normal.’ And that’s enough to start an investigation.”
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/routine-blood-test-reveals-cancer-diagnosis-symptoms-caught-early