Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer is a form of cancer that attacks the lower portion of the intestinal tract, the large intestine, commonly referred to as the colon. Unless proper diagnostic tests are completed, it has the potential to be misdiagnosed as benign masses called polyps, which generally attack one area of the body and will not spread. Malignant tumors are referred to as cancers, and are of the type that will spread to other areas of the body, potentially infecting all nearby tissue. Benign polyps can be removed surgically. However, if left unchecked certain polyps can mutate even further into malignant tumors that will require traditional cancer treatments to purge the body of the growths.

Weakness and Fatigue

Sufferers of Colon Cancer will oftentimes be left feeling drained and tired. Feeling the need for more rest in order to effectively function throughout the day is not uncommon among colon cancer symptoms. However, because fatigue and weakness can be attributed to many other disorders and deficiencies in the body, it is often times dismissed as lack of sleep or too much physical and mental exertion.

Change in Bowel Movements.

Changes in bowel activity often occur as a result of this particular type of cancer. Sufferers often experience diarrhea, constipation and bloody stools, mainly in later stages. As there are a range of bowel malfunctions that can occur as a result colon cancer, it is generally a rule of thumb that any bowel movement not considered regular should put up a red flag.

Lower Abdominal Pain

Colon cancer symptoms, especially in later stages, would include abdominal pain in the lower regions. Many times, this is mistaken for other intestinal diseases and even pelvic inflammatory disease. An astute doctor would run a series of tests to rule out other diseases and/or to identify areas of concern in the colon. However, if a person doesn’t seek medical attention after a few days of ongoing pain, there is no way to determine whether or not abdominal pain can be attributed to colon cancer symptoms.

Sudden Unintended Weight Loss

This is one of the colon cancer symptoms that can be attributed to a great number of other diseases. Sometimes it is even written off as stress. If, for any reason, an individual suddenly loses weight for no apparent reason, it is of the utmost importance to consult a doctor and have diagnostic tests to ascertain the cause.

How Cancer Works and How to Prevent It

Cancer is a disease that attacks the basic unit of the body, the cell. It works by mutating cells, causing them to split and regenerate uncontrollably. While colon cancer symptoms could be indicative of any number of other diseases and/or illnesses, there are tests that can make an accurate diagnosis if medical advice is sought. Not all persons who suffer from colon cancer will present the same symptoms, so it is important to have annual screenings after the age of 50 when it is most prevalent, and if here is a history of the disease in the family. A healthy preventative measure is to have your colon cleansed from time to time.