Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

By Stacy Simon Many of the symptoms of colon cancer can also be caused by something that isn’t cancer, such as infection, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. In most cases, people who have these symptoms do not have cancer. Still, if you have any of these problems, it is a sign that you should go to the doctor so the cause can be found and treated, if needed:A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few daysA feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing soRectal bleedingDark stools, or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal)Cramping or abdominal (belly) painWeakness and fatigueUnintended weight lossWhen colon cancer does turn out to be the cause, symptoms often appear only after the cancer has grown or spread. That’s why it’s best to be tested for colon cancer before ever having any symptoms. Colon cancer that’s found through screening – testing that’s done on people with no symptoms – is usually easier to treat. Screening can even prevent some colon cancers by finding and removing pre-cancerous growths called polyps.Screening could save your life Because colon cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until it is advanced, the American Cancer Society recommends regular colon cancer screening for most people starting at age 50. People with a family history of the disease or who ...
Source: American Cancer Society :: News and Features - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Colon/Rectum Cancer Prevention/Early Detection Source Type: news