What are symptoms of colon cancer?
Symptoms may vary from person to person, but here are some common symptoms of colon cancer.
Any of these symptoms remain persistent for a long period, you should visit a doctor and undergo screening as per the advice of the doctor.
In the early stage of cancer, a person may not experience any symptoms as well.
Generally, it is recommended to undergo screening after the age of 50.
But, doctors may recommend screening before age of 50 to consider other risk factors.
After this basic understanding of colon cancer, let’s move to the treatment options for colon cancer in India
Let’s learn more about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer:
9 Signs and Symptoms of Early Colon Cancer
Recognizing the symptoms and signs of colon cancer is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment. Paying attention to these signs can help people identify potential issues and seek medical advice as fast as they can.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the specific symptoms associated with colon cancer:
The presence of blood in stool can be a symptom of early colon cancer. Cancer cells can cause bleeding in the colon, which can be seen in the stool. However, blood in stool can also be caused by other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, or infections.
Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Screening tests, such as fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or colonoscopies, may be recommended to detect the presence of colon cancer and to identify any abnormalities in the colon.
A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a persistent change in the frequency or consistency of stools, can be a symptom of early colon cancer. However, it is important to note that many people with early-stage colon cancer do not experience any symptoms.
Abdominal discomfort or cramping, along with bloating, can sometimes be caused by a tumor in the colon. However, these symptoms can be caused by a wide range of conditions.
Feeling like the bowel doesn’t empty completely is a common symptom of early-stage colon cancer.
Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of colon cancer, especially in the early stages of the disease. Cancer cells consume more energy than normal cells, which can lead to weight loss due to the body burning more calories than usual.
Unintentional weight loss of 10 kgs or more may be a concern, especially when coupled with other symptoms that could indicate colon cancer. However, unexplained weight loss can also be caused by many other conditions and is not always a sign of cancer.
Fatigue or weakness can be symptoms of colon cancer. Individuals with colon cancer can experience extreme tiredness and fatigue, which may be related to the cancer itself.
Anemia is a common extraintestinal symptom of colon cancer. Anemia occurs when the tumor in the colon starts to bleed, reducing the levels of red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
Preoperative anemia is frequently observed in colon cancer patients, with reported case incidences of greater than 30%. Iron deficiency is highly prevalent among patients with colorectal cancer, with a rate of 60%.
Chronic bleeding may lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can make you feel tired and weak.
Narrow stools can be a symptom of colon cancer, especially if they are pencil-thin and occur frequently. This may be a sign of the colon becoming narrowed or obstructed due to the presence of a tumor. Narrow stools can be an early warning sign of colon cancer. Less commonly, narrow stools can also be caused by constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and anal or parasitic gut infections.
Frequent bloating can be a symptom of colon cancer. However, it’s important to note that occasional bloating is a common digestive issue and can be caused by many other conditions as well, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What does poop look like with colon cancer ?
A. Stools may look black or look like tar. If the stool color is black then it is a warning sign that blood from the colon might have made the stool dark red or black.
The poop color may be bright red as well, in case of colon cancer.
Irregular thin stool may also be colon cancer.
But for reaching any conclusion stool samples must be further investigated.
Q2. How do colon cancer symptoms change as the disease progresses?
A. In later stages, symptoms often become more noticeable. Persistent abdominal pain, significant changes in bowel habits, unintentional weight loss, and ongoing rectal bleeding may occur. These signs suggest that it’s important to seek medical evaluation.
Next in Colon Cancer
Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
