The symptoms of colon cancer can vary but typically include the following:
- A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts more than a few days.
- A feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation (feeling like you need to have a bowel movement even after having one).
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, which may appear as bright red blood or make the stool look dark brown or black.
- Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain.
- Weakness and fatigue, often related to anemia caused by chronic blood loss.
- Unintended weight loss.
- A lump in the abdomen or back passage that a doctor can feel.
- Symptoms of bowel obstruction, such as cramping pains, bloating, constipation, inability to pass gas, and vomiting, which is an emergency.
In advanced stages, symptoms may include more intense abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) if cancer spreads to the liver, persistent coughing or shortness of breath if it spreads to the lungs, and headaches or seizures if it spreads to the brain. It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for evaluation, as they can also be caused by conditions other than cancer. These common symptoms help in early detection and diagnosis of colon cancer, but the disease may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Regular screening is crucial.
