Signs & Symptoms of Colon Polyps or Cancer

Despite improvements in screening and treatment, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine that is caused by polyps that develop along the intestinal tract. However, not all polyps are cancerous. Early removal of polyps can prevent them from becoming cancerous. In the early stages, colon polyps and colon cancer do not typically cause symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. Because of this, many doctors recommend regular colon screenings to detect the formation of polyps early.

Bowel Symptoms

• Changes to your regular bowel habits can be a sign of colon cancer. Examples of changes you may notice include constipation or diarrhea, passing stool but feeling as though your bowel is not emptied and narrow stools, according to the National Cancer Institute. Any change in bowel habits that lasts more than a couple of weeks should be reported to your doctor.

Bleeding

• Rectal bleeding can be a sign of both colon polyps and colon cancer, according to Mayo Clinic. In addition to rectal bleeding, you may also notice blood in your stool. The blood can either be bright red or more dark colored, depending on when it passed into your stool.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Other signs of colon cancer include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal gas and bloating in the abdominal cavity, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, these are symptoms of many other less serious conditions as well. If you regularly experience these symptoms, you should report it to your doctor.

Fatigue

• Colon cancer can also cause unexplained fatigue and weakness. Some people may also experience unexplained weight loss when cancerous polyps are present.

Pain

• Pain in the rectum can also be a sign of colon cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, pain does not usually develop in the early stages of the disease. If you are experiencing any of the common signs of colon cancer or colon polyps, do not wait until pain develops to seek medical advice. Early detection is important in treating colon cancer, so symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately.