Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon Cancer Symptoms

In the initial stages of colon cancer, the symptoms may be difficult to identify. In most cases there are no symptoms at all. However, it’s important to identify colon cancer symptoms so you can sit and work out a health plan with your doctor.

Do You Know Your Colon?

To identify colon cancer symptoms, it is important that you know what your colon does. This organ forms an integral part of your large intestine and plays a very vital role in absorbing nutrients and minerals needed for your body. It helps your body to get rid of the waste that accumulates over time. The colon extends from the cecum to the rectum in your larger intestine.

Identifying Colon Cancer

Colon cancer has different symptoms but in the initial stages it may be difficult to spot the exact signs of this disease. This is one reason why doctors insist that you undergo a thorough screening if you are aged fifty or more.

There are two kinds of colon cancer symptoms.

1) Symptoms that are local in nature
2) Symptoms which are systemic in nature

Let us understand how each can be identified.

Local Colon Cancer Symptoms

Some of the most common colon cancer symptoms that affect your colon are:

a) Change in your regular bowel movements. You will find that either you have increased bowel movements or lesser movements than normal.
b) A common symptom is frequent constipation problems. This means that you are facing difficulty in having a proper bowel movement.
c) You may have black and dark colored stool.
d) Your stool may be thinner than normal or you experience a feeling of having had an incomplete bowel movement.
e) You suffer from discomfort in the abdomen and experience frequent stomach pains.
f) You have alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Systemic Symptoms that Affect the Body

There are some symptoms that are systemic in nature and affect the entire body. Given below are some of the symptoms.

a) Loss of weight
b) Frequent vomiting or nausea
c) Anemia due to low red blood cells or because of less iron in the red blood cells
d) Frequent fatigue
e) Loss of appetite
The Next Step

If you suffer from any of the above colon cancer symptoms for more than a few days, it is suggested that you consult your doctor and get some tests conducted to understand what is causing these symptoms. Your doctor will go through your medical history and also collect some blood samples from you. Your doctor may suggest further medical tests in order to make a proper diagnosis.

Getting Ready for the Tests

Colon cancer screening is quite a daunting task for some people. So, it is suggested that you take your doctor’s advice and prepare yourself for the screening procedure. There is no need for you to feel scared or be afraid. You have a variety of products to clear your colon of any accumulated waste so you can effectively clean your colon.