Description of Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer occurs when cancer invades the colon or rectum. It can cause many symptoms, including ones relating to bowel movements as well as more systemic ones. There are a number of risk factors for colon cancer and anyone who has these risk factors should look into taking preventative measures, including regular examination of the colon via colonoscopy.

Identification

• Colon cancer can occur in the colon, rectum and even the appendix. Colon cancer typically forms as the result of small growths, called polyps, that occur within the colon. These growths are initially not cancerous, but over time they change into a cancerous form. Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer.

Symptoms Related to Bowel Movements

• Many of the early symptoms of colon cancer, especially when the cancer is still localized to the colon, affect bowel movements. A change in the frequency of bowel movements can result in diarrhea or constipation. Another symptom is the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement, or a sudden change in bowel movement diameter. Finally, the presence of blood or mucus in bowel movements can indicate colon cancer.

Other Local Symptoms

• Colon cancer can also cause obstruction of the bowels. This can result in pain, a feeling of being bloated, and vomiting. Sometimes colon cancer can be detected by a physician if they can feel a lump in the abdomen caused by the tumor. Finally, sometimes colon cancer also affects the bladder, which can cause blood or air to enter the urine, and may also lead to foul smelling discharges from the vagina.

Systemic Symptoms

• Cancer growth can also cause sudden weight loss. This is due to both a loss of appetite as well as increased burning of calories. Cancer can also cause anemia, which will result in the patient becoming pale and experiencing episodes of dizziness and lethargy. If the cancer spreads to the liver, it can also cause liver pain as well as jaundice and an increase in liver size. If this happens, the patient is also at risk for blood clots.

Risk Factors

• Age and heredity are two major risk factors for the development of colon cancer. Other factors include smoking history, alcohol use and diet; diets high in red meat and low in vegetables are associated with a higher risk of colon cancer. Patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon polyps are also at a higher risk. Anyone who has these risk factors should get regular colonoscopies in order to prevent the appearance of late-stage colon cancer.