Signs & Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is commonly referred to as bowel or colorectal cancer, and is the name given to cancerous growths in the rectum, appendix and colon in ether benign or malignant form. Cancer of this type is usually benign, however not always. Cancer of this type is usually identified through colonoscopy and treated by therapy followed by chemotherapy.

Rather than wait until you have colon cancer, it is best to have regular screenings to check. Although this is the safe option, for many people it is not practical, or they may have even started to experience signs after having had a recent screening.

Colon Cancer Signs & Symptoms

This guide does not constitute medical advice, so should you be worried about the possibility of having colon cancer it is best to check with your doctor. If you are experiencing on of the following symptoms then it is most likely that you are merely worrying, however it is still best to check. If you are experiencing all of the problems mentioned below then you should be more concerned and should certainly ensure that you get them checked out. Being able to identify a cancerous growth early is the best way to ensure that you are going to be okay, so as soon as you start to experience problems is the best time to consult a medical practitioner.

Toilet Habits

Because colon cancer is in the area close to your bowel you can expect your toilet habits to be somewhat different. If you are going to the toilet more or less this could be an indicator that your body is adjusting to a growth in the area.

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Your Stool is Shaped Differently

Because the passage way through which your stool usually passes through your body may be blocked, it is possible that it will a thinner shape as a result.

Stomach Cramps

Bloating may be caused by an obstruction in your bowel. In later stages of colon cancer you can expect to experience more pain in this area, because the growth may start to pierce the bowel wall.

Blood in your Stool

Blood may be in your stool if you have colon cancer. In some cases this blood may be nearly invisible if it has had time to dry, or be bright red depending on where the tumor is. In many cases a bowel tumor can be found in different parts of your body, with the rectum being the most likely place for you to be able to see red blood. It is worthy of note that there are other reasons why this could occur, it is also the case that even although there may be blood in your stool the tumor will not be bleeding consistently.

Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is a common side effect of colon cancer, and one which you should not put down to being a coincidence if it is happening at the same time as other symptoms such as toilet related problems that you have been experiencing.