Signs & Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer may cause one or more of the symptoms below. If you have any of the following you should see your doctor:
- A change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool) that lasts for more than a few days
- Unintended or unexplained weight loss or vomiting
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so
- Blood (often not visible) in stool or from rectum. Blood in stool can be rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal)
- Abdominal pain/discomfort (gas, bloating, cramps)
- Weakness and fatigue
- Anemia and lack of energy
Most of these symptoms are more often caused by conditions other than colorectal cancer, such as infection, hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease. Still, if you have any of these problems, it’s important to see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.
The #1 Symptom of Colon Cancer
While there are several symptoms of colon cancer, the #1 symptom is actually NO SYMPTOM AT ALL. That’s why it’s critical that everyone get screened even if you don’t suspect anything is wrong. And especially if you have a family history.
Colon cancer is very treatable and beatable, especially if detected early.
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OR A FAMILY HISTORY, SEE A DOCTOR. BE PERSISTENT UNTIL YOU GET AN EXPLANATION.
