Colon cancer is a common type of cancer that typically forms in the large intestine, mostly in older adults. Just like other forms of cancer, this disease is much easier and safer to treat when caught in its early stages. This is why it is so important to know the signs of colon cancer as you start to get older. These are five of the most common symptoms of colon cancer:
1. Diarrhea or constipation
It is completely normal to occasionally suffer from diarrhea or constipation, but you need to get checked out if you are dealing with these bowel issues on a regular basis. Colon cancer is known to persistently cause disruptions in the bowels. This can lead to periods of constant diarrhea followed up by long stretches of constipation. This cycle will repeatedly continue until the cancer in your large intestine is addressed by a medical professional.
2. Rectal bleeding
A growing tumor inside the colon puts a lot of pressure on the digestive tract, which may lead to some rectal bleeding. This common symptom of colon cancer is very easy to spot. You may notice traces of blood in the toilet, on undergarments, and on toilet paper after a bowel movement. This bleeding will continue to get worse over time as the tumor grows. If you are only periodically spotting bright red blood after bowel movements, then you are likely just suffering from hemorrhoids, but it’s always best to consult with your doctor to be sure.
3. Blood in stool
In addition to rectal bleeding, some patients with colon cancer may also notice blood mixed with their stool. This occurs when the tumor is located higher up the intestinal tract. The blood mixes in with the stool as it travels through the colon before exiting the body. The presence of blood is easy to spot because it will create a much darker bowel movement than normal. If there is a lot of blood, then the stool can appear black in color.
4. Abdominal pain
The digestive tract plays a huge role in the way our bodies function. Any small disruption in this intricate system can lead to some obvious symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, or cramps. Developing one or two stomach issues from time to time is not a problem, and is often the result of periodic stress or indigestion. However, things become much more serious if you start to experience chronic abdominal discomfort on a regular basis. This is a clear sign that there is something wrong in your digestive tract and you may possibly be suffering from colon cancer.
5. Feeling like the bowel won’t empty
Everyone knows what it feels like when your body tells you it is time to make a bowel movement. This feeling is supposed to immediately go away after heading to the bathroom, but that is not always the case when you have colon cancer. The tumor inside your colon can block stool and prevent it from exiting the body during a bowel movement. Since your bowel did not completely empty after your time on the toilet, you may feel like the bowel didn’t completely empty. This may also cause increased pressure and bloating.
