Colon Cancer Symptoms & Signs

Colon cancer is a disease of the last 6 feet on the intestines, developing in most cases from small polyps in the colon that eventually turn cancerous. The signs of colon cancer in the early stages are almost nonexistent, with some individuals showing no symptoms whatsoever until the cancer becomes advanced. When signs of the cancer finally appear, they differ from one person to the next depending on such factors as where the cancer is located and its size.

Bowel Habits

• One sign of this disease is when an individual experiences a change in bowel habits. This can come in the form of constipation or diarrhea, with the consistency of the stool being affected over the course of more than 2 weeks.

Narrow Stools

• Someone with colon cancer may get a strange sensation that the bowel fails to empty completely. Stools may also be narrower than normal because they are forced past a tumor in the colon.

Pain

• When abdominal pain will not subside, this can be a sign of colon cancer. The pain may feel like cramps and there can be accompanying bloating and gas. Pain during the course of a bowel movement may also indicate a problem.

Bleeding

• While blood in the stool usually is often associated with such ailments as hemorrhoids and anal fissures, it can also mean colon cancer is present. The blood may be bright red or look much darker.

Other signs

• Loss of weight despite having a normal appetite is another sign of colon cancer. A feeling of constant fatigue also can be brought about by colon cancer, as can bouts of nausea and vomiting.