Symptoms of Colon Cancer
by Beth G. Hodges, MD

Symptoms of colon cancer are many and mostly nonspecific. The most commonly recognized symptom is blood in the stool. This can present as bright red blood or as black, tarry stool. Although blood in the stool can come from conditions other than colon cancer, it should never be ignored.

Another symptom of colon cancer is a change in bowel routine. This could be onset of chronic constipation or diarrhea or a change in stool caliber, most often with the stool becoming more narrow in form, as it would get if trying to pass beyond a blockage in the bowel lumen.

Unexplained weight loss can be another symptom of colon cancer. Someone who has lost more than fifteen pounds in three months without trying should see a physician.

Other nonspecific symptoms of colon cancer include fatigue, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and unexplained iron deficiency anemia. The anemia occurs due to slow, hidden blood loss through the stool.

An advanced colon cancer can present as a complete or partial bowel obstruction with abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting.

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, look for a doctor immediately so that tests can be done to find out what is really happening to you.

Published - October, 2009