Connection between colorectal cancer and Zantac

As you age, you may encounter health issues that were not present in your younger years. Like many people in North Carolina, South Carolina and beyond who are in your age group, various bodily changes begin to occur when someone reaches age 50. Even before then, your health might show signs of decline. Some symptoms suggest a serious, underlying illness, such as colorectal cancer.

It’s not uncommon to contract a stomach virus or other illness that might cause a disturbance to your bowels. However, a change in bowel habits may also signify a more serious condition, such as cancer. There are several things that can cause colorectal cancer. Evidence suggests that taking Zantac is one of them.

Reasons to schedule an appointment with your doctor

You might be the type of person who would rather use natural remedies while letting a virus or illness run its course. Perhaps it’s unlike you to schedule a doctor’s appointment for minor illnesses. The problem, however, is that you might think you have a minor illness, when, in fact, the problem is something much more serious. This is why it’s always a good idea to seek medical examination if you experience any of the symptoms on the following list:

• Irregular bowel movements or change in bowel habits
• Blood in stools
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss

Especially if you’ve had the same symptoms for more than 48 hours, it’s always best to let a doctor run some tests to rule out serious illnesses, such as colorectal cancer.

Let your doctor know if you have used Zantac in the past

Before being taken off store shelves, many people used Zantac to treat heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid indigestion. One of the chemicals found in Zantac is believed to increase a person’s risk for developing colorectal cancer. If your doctor diagnoses you with this disease, you’ll want to inform him or her if you have taken this over-the-counter medication in the past.

Symptoms of cancer might not be noticeable for a long time

There could be a span of many years between the actual time that cancer started growing in your body and the time when you noticed symptoms of illness. Many types of disease, including colorectal cancer, are often referred to as “silent illnesses” because it might take a long time for you to exhibit symptoms.

It’s also possible, especially in the early stages of cancer, for symptoms to come and go. You might not feel well for a few days, then appear to be recovering, only to feel ill again sometime later. At some point, you might notice that you feel ill more often than you feel well.

There has been litigation regarding colorectal cancer and Zantac

There have been numerous class action lawsuits filed by people who have been diagnosed with various types of cancer, which they believe to have been caused by using Zantac. Someone well-versed in personal injury litigation issues would be able to provide supportand determine if a particular person or group has grounds for filing a claim in civil court.