Television actor Vibhu Raghave, known for his role in Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, passed away on June 2 after a three-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer. He was in his late 30s. His close friend and fellow actor Saumya Tandon confirmed his death with a heartfelt note, calling him a “warrior” who held on to light even in his darkest hours.Vibhu’s death has brought to attention something that doesn’t get talked about enough: how colon cancer can silently grow inside the body, showing signs that are often misunderstood or ignored. While many associate colon cancer with older age or family history, the disease has been increasingly affecting younger individuals too, and that too in ways that don’t look dangerous at first.Here are some early signs that tend to be brushed off as minor issues, but can actually be early warnings from the body.
That lingering tiredness? It’s not just work burnout
It’s common to blame exhaustion on work pressure or lack of sleep. But when fatigue refuses to leave even after rest, there may be something more to it.
In colon cancer, constant tiredness can happen because the body might be losing blood slowly through the stool, so slow, it doesn’t even show up visibly. This hidden blood loss can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, making energy levels drop drastically.
Bloating that feels ‘off’
Everyone experiences bloating once in a while, especially after a heavy meal. But persistent bloating that feels uncomfortable and doesn’t go away should raise concern. In colon cancer, a growing tumour can start to block parts of the intestine, causing gas build-up, pressure, and a sense of fullness, even without overeating.What makes it confusing is that this type of bloating often comes and goes, mimicking indigestion or even IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Changes in bowel habits that are easy to excuse
Vibhu Raghave
Many ignore sudden bowel habit changes, thinking it’s due to diet or stress. But when constipation, diarrhoea, or thin, ribbon-like stools become frequent and persistent, it may be more than just a gut issue. These changes can indicate a blockage or narrowing in the colon due to a tumor.What makes it deceptive is that these changes may happen slowly, days or even weeks apart, causing people to normalise them over time.
Abdominal discomfort that mimics gas or acidity
Stomach cramps or mild pain are easy to dismiss. After all, spicy food, stress, or a skipped meal can all cause it. But in colon cancer, this discomfort can feel oddly specific—it may feel sharp in one particular area and come with a sensation of pressure or heaviness.This type of discomfort often gets confused with gas, acidity, or even menstrual pain in women. But when the pain keeps returning, and especially if it worsens after eating, it should not be ignored.
Unexplained weight loss that doesn’t feel like an achievement
Losing weight without trying sounds like a dream—but it can be a nightmare in disguise. In many early-stage colon cancer cases, weight starts dropping gradually because the body is fighting an internal war. The cancer cells start using up energy, and appetite may reduce without warning.People often think the weight loss is because of stress or a busy schedule. But if the kilos are shedding without a change in routine, it’s time to question it.
