Signs & Symptoms of Colon Cancer for a Nursing Student

Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States as of 2010, according to the American Cancer Society. It's a common form of cancer in both men and women, with the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer about one in 19. For nurses, an understanding and awareness of early colon cancer symptoms can help improve a patient's prognosis and treatment plan. When cancer-causing polyps are caught early, they can be removed before the cancer develops.

Bowel Habits

• A change in bowel habits can be an early sign of cancerous polyps in the intestinal tract. Noticeable changes include diarrhea, constipation, a change in the consistency of the stool or a narrowing of the stool. A feeling as though the bowels have not been emptied after passing stool can also be a sign of colon caner. When patients report bowel changes, it may be necessary to ask questions about the specific nature of the changes.

Bleeding

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool can be a sign of colon cancer. The blood can be bright red or may appear darker in color depending on when and where along the intestinal tract it entered the stool.

Abdominal Symptoms

• Possible signs of colon cancer include abdominal bloating, frequent gas pains or cramps and a feeling of being full, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, these are also common symptoms of other gastrointestinal conditions.

Weight Loss

• Unexplained weight loss and fatigue are signs of colon cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, these are common signs of other forms of cancer as well as many other, less serious medical conditions.

Pain

• Pain in the rectal area may be a sign of colon cancer. However, pain does not usually develop until the more advanced stages of the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute. In later stages of the disease, there may also be palpable polyps or masses near the rectum.