Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can be established in the colorectal system well before a diagnosis is made. Early detection of this cancer is typically made during a colonoscopy exam. Otherwise, it may be difficult to recognize the presence of colon cancer.

These are some symptoms that may signal polyps or cancer in the colon or rectum:

Change in bowel habits. Polyps or tumors can restrict movement of waste products through the large intestine. This situation may cause constipation or excessive, runny bowl movements.

Blood in the stool. The presence of blood in the stool is a sign that needs medical attention. It may be hemorrhoids which can be treated. Blood may also come from tumors in the large intestine. Bright red blood is often dismissed as hemorrhoids, however, it can come from the left end of the colon. Dried blood tends to come from the right section of colon.

Stomach bloating or cramping. If tumors create blockage, the back up of waste materials can result in bloating. Constipation can be the reason for cramping. However when a tumor begins to cause damage in the intestine, it is accompanied by cramping.

Sudden weight loss. While losing weight can be beneficial for many conditions, a sudden drop in weight that is not explained by diet or exercise is a symptom that needs attention.

Fatigue that does not improve with rest. When not sleep deprived or overworked, the body would be rested. Tumor in the right side of the colon can cause iron deficiency anemia which is the actual cause of fatigue. With anemia, the red blood cells are not moving enough oxygen to the system. Tumors can grow and bleed for years without notice because the right side of the large intestines is the farthest from the rectum. By the time any blood reaches that point to be excreted, the blood is dried and barely visible.

Nausea, vomiting or gas not otherwise explained. A tumor blocking the colon or rectum can cause excess gas as well as nausea or vomiting. As cancer grows in the body, an overall sense of discomfort prevails and may be seen in a variety of ways.

Poorly formed stool. Blockage in the colon restricts the amount of waste that can pass. There is literally no room for the stool to form, so what gets by the blockage is runny and thin. If this is a change in bowel movement, then further examination is needed.

The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Although polyps can form over many years, these are more common among people over age 50. Approximately 90% of colorectal cancer diagnoses are made among people in their mid-60s. That is not to rule out colon cancer at younger ages. People who have had one instance of colon cancer can develop it a second time. Women who have cancer of ovary, breast or uterus have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. For these people as well as those with family history of colon cancer, colonoscopies may be repeated every two to three years.

Colon Cancer Early Symptoms |