What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins with no symptoms at all. However, over time, a number of warning signs will appear: • Rectal bleeding • Blood in the stool (bright red, black, or very dark) • A change in bowel movements, especially in the shape of the stool (e.g., narrow like a pencil) • Cramping pain in the lower abdomen • Frequent gas pains • Discomfort or the urge to move the bowels when there is no need • Weight loss without dieting • Constant fatigue If you experience these symptoms, notify your physician so that a detailed medical history, x-ray and possibly endoscopic evaluation may be done to make a diagnosis.
Symptoms may include a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely. Other symptoms may include general abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps), weight loss with no reason, constant tiredness, or vomiting.
Colon cancer, in it’s early stage may not produce any symptoms, however, possible signs or symptoms can include a change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea lasting more than two weeks, blood in the stool, fatigue, pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen, cramps and bloating, weight loss with no apparent reason, anemia, and narrow stools.
