Symptoms Of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a very common form of cancer that progresses slowly, and is often not detected until it has reached a more advanced stage. While there are specific symptoms of colon cancer, they do mirror several other conditions and should not be used as the sole means of determining colon cancer risk. It is recommended that all adults over the age of 50 receive regular colon cancer screenings, including a colonoscopy. For those that have a family history of this disease, it may be necessary to screen for colon cancer every few years. Colon cancer screenings are vital for early detection, possible prevention and treatment of this disease.

The main symptoms of colon cancer include:

Blood in the Stool

- This usually takes the form of what is known as "occult" blood. This means that the blood is very dark in color, and typically not noticed by the patient. While some bleeding may be bright red, the darker blood may indicate that there is a tumor in the right colon. The bleeding from a tumor in the colon may be severe and anemia can result if it is left untreated. It is important to regularly check your stools to see if any blood is present.

Constipation

- Although constipation is a fact of life for many throughout their lives, chronic constipation may be cause for concern. For those that experience period of constipation more than three times a week, it is important to discuss this issue with a doctor. While it may be attributed to diet or exercise changes, chronic constipation should always be checked out.

Weight Loss

- This is typical in the later stages of colon cancer. It is characterized by sudden or significant weight loss that occurs without a major change in diet or lifestyle. Since this is a serious symptom of colon cancer, anyone that has lost weight without changing their diet should be screened for colon cancer as a safety measure.

Nausea and Vomiting

- Chronic nausea and vomiting that cannot be attributed to other issues, such as an illness or dietary issues may be indicative of a more serious problem. Patients that experience frequent bouts of nausea and vomiting should discuss these symptoms with their physician.

Stomach Cramps

- Painful stomach cramps are one of the most common symptoms of colon cancer. They may be sharp or radiating pains, depending on the individual and the location of the tumor. Chronic stomach cramps should be investigated as this may be an indication that a tumor is present in the colon.