Bowel & Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon and bowel cancer originate in the colon and often involve the rectum. Colorectal or bowel cancer is generally slow growing, starting as a polyp in the colon. There may be no symptoms associated until the cancer is quite advanced. High-risk patients and patients over 50 should have regular screenings for colon cancer.

Symptoms

• Early-stage colorectal or bowel cancer has no noticeable symptoms. The polyps present in the colon are generally very small. When colon cancer does produce symptoms, the symptoms are determined by the location and size of the polyp.

Possible Signs

• Symptoms vary widely, but may include persistent diarrhea, constipation, other change in bowel habits, blood in the stool or rectum, persistent stomach cramping, gas or pain, stomach pain that becomes worse during or before a bowel movement, a constant feeling that the bowels are not fully empty, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

Blood in Stool

• Blood in stool is often associates with colon cancer. However, the presence of bright red blood normally indicates hemorrhoids or small anal tears and is not indicative of cancer. Changes in diet (including abnormally high iron intake) and certain diarrhea medications may also cause stool to appear a darker, blood-like color. If you are concerned about this symptom or are experiencing blood in your stool, consult with a physician to rule out colon or bowel cancer or other serious illness.

Risk Factors

• Those who are at a higher risk for colon cancer should get regular screenings. The American Cancer Society statistics state that those over 50 are at a higher risk, since 90 percent of patients diagnosed with colon cancer are 50 or older. A family history of colon or bowel cancer is also a risk factor. A previous history of polyps may be a risk factor as well.

Diagnosis

• Doctors often diagnose colon or bowel cancer during a routine exam in which the doctor feels the rectum by placing a gloved finger inside. A fecal occult blood test may be able to detect traces of blood in the stool, indicating further testing is needed. Your doctor may use a sigmoidoscope to examine the lower part of the inside of the colon to check for abnormalities such as polyps. Any polyps your doctor identifies are removed in a polypectomy procedure and then biopsied. A colonscope may also be used to examine the colon, but unlike a sigmoidoscope, a colonscope allows the doctor to examine the entire colon. The final test involves the use of X-rays after a barium enema is administered.