Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon Cancer: Introduction

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer (scientific term) is a cancer that starts developing in the lining of your bowel. The cancerous growth can be benign (non-threatening) or malignant (invasive, dangerous) in nature.

The cancerous developments are known as polyps that develop when there is uncontrolled cell growth in lining of the colon. These polyps can be dangerous or non-threatening. Although colon cancer is gender neutral can occur in people of all age groups its chances increase with age, especially after one crosses the age of forty.

What are the Colon Cancer Symptoms?

An affected person may not experience any colon cancer signs or symptoms in early stage of the disease. In case symptoms do appear, they may vary in intensity.

This depends on the size and location of the cancer residing in your large intestine. Research has shown that nearly one-third of all patients suffer colon cancer located in the rectum. The remaining cases have colon cancer in other parts of the colon.

Some of the symptoms for colon cancer:

• Gradual change, that may be experienced in bowel habits that include stomach disorders such as diarrhea or constipation.
• Existence of blood in your stool and/or bleeding (rectal).
• Experiencing discomfort in abdominal area involving bloating, gas pains and cramp.
• Unable to empty your bowel completely or a similar feeling.
• Increased weakness and/or fatigue.
• Weight loss, seemingly without a reason.

In addition to these symptoms of colon cancer you may also experience a sense of fullness. This can be due to tumor growth in your rectum or at the end of the colon.

In case you experience any of the above symptoms for more than fifteen days, contact your doctor for further advice (which may also involve further examinations and tests).

Remember, an early detection colon cancer symptoms can greatly reduce chances of major surgery and at the same time increase your chances of achieving a complete cure.