Early Warning Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Early Warning Symptoms of Colon Cancer

When colon cancer is in its early stages, it might not cause any symptoms. It only starts showing signs once it has progressed and spread to other body organs. In case you are at higher risk, it is important to get regular screenings done for colon cancer. Also, you need to keep a watch on some of the common symptoms of colon cancer.

1. Unexpected weight loss
Weight loss that is sudden and cannot be explained can be a symptom of many cancer types, and that includes colon cancer. When there is an unintentional or unexplained loss of weight, which is 10 pounds or more within six months or less, it can be a reason to be alarmed. Weight loss due to colon cancer can be in different ways. Cancer cells tend to consume a significant amount of the body’s energy. In addition to this, the immune system uses a lot of energy of the body in order to put up a fight against the cancer cells. These cancer cells are also responsible for releasing a substance in the body, which interferes with the process of conversion of food into energy. This can lead to a loss of body weight.

2. Weakness
Feeling tired after a long day at work or doing household chores is normal. However, if the tiredness does not go away after rest, it can be fatigue and there can be multiple reasons behind including colon cancer. Fatigue can also be caused by several other conditions such as heart diseases, diabetes, anemia, and several more. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor if you have been experiencing fatigue regularly.

3. Cramps in the abdomen
Abdominal cramps are common. Just like tiredness, these cramps might also feel normal. It is also an indication of conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids. But if the pain has just started, and is severe, and does not go away, it can be a symptom of colon cancer. Usually, in colon cancer, large intestines get affected. This can have a direct impact on bowel habits, which further leads to pain in the abdomen. Therefore, you must be aware of these common symptoms of colon cancer.

4. Bloody stool
Blood in stool is one of the common symptoms of colon cancer. In some cases, bright red spots can be visible with the stool, while in others, they might not be so easily seen. How severe the symptom is will depend on how much the cancer has advanced and where it is located. If the stool appears black or dark in color, it can also mean that there is dried blood. If there is any sign of bloody stool, you must see a doctor immediately.