How to Recognize Colon Cancer Early Symptoms

Colon cancer early symptoms are part of the key to catching and treating the third leading cause of death in the United States. As with most cancers, treatment options are most numerous and successful with early detection. Familiarize yourself with colon cancer early symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Research to discover any family history of colon cancer.

  Since your chances for colorectal cancer rise with familial history it is wise to know if anyone in your family has been affected. If so, speak with your physician about when to start regular colon cancer screening. Also see tips on this page for diet changes to prevent colon cancer. Many of the symptoms of colon cancer present themselves in later stages, so early detection is difficult without regular screening.

• 2

  Pay attention to any bowel movement changes.

  You may experience a narrowing of your bowel movements, long lasting constipation, constant diarrhea, black stool, or blood in your stool. Any of these symptoms should be reported to a physician.

• 3

  Take note of ongoing abdominal pain.

  Polyps in the colon are usually the precursor to colon cancer. Even polyps can cause abdominal pain if they grow large enough. However, advanced stages of colon cancer also cause abdominal pain due to the damage to the colon and resulting difficulties.

• 4

  Watch for unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.

  Though this can be connected with many illnesses, it is usually a sign that something is wrong with your digestive system. Have a physician decide if colon cancer screening is in order.

  * See more tips on colon cancer early symptoms below.