What Are The Symptoms Of Colon Cancer?

Manifestations vary with the location in the intestine. It the neoplasm is in the small intestine, the symptoms develop insidiously and are vague and less noticeable.
They include:

1. Anorexia.
2. Nausea and vomiting.
3. Anemia.
4. Loss of weight.
5. Loss of strength, and
6. Occult blood in the stool.

Obstructive symptoms appear gradually and the patient develops abdominal pain. If the tumour is in the duodenum, the manifestation may be similar to those of a peptic ulcer (vomiting if severe pain, possible perforation, black and tarry stool from large amount of altered blood).

If the site of the neoplasm is the colon or the rectum, the most common early symptoms are a change in the bowel habit and blood in the stool. Any person manifesting either of those signs is urged to seek prompt medical attention.

There may be an increasing constipation or perhaps alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. The stool may gradually become smaller and ribbon like in form and may be streaked with blood, mucus, and pus. A continuous defecation urge and the feeling that evacuation is incomplete after passing the stool may be experienced. The patient presents a picture of ill health with loss of weight and progressive anemia.

I have had for many years smaller (size) feces, some flat looking.
I either can't go or I have the runs.
My abdomal area is bloated, I feel like I am full of gas or a full feeling.
My dad died from colon/rectal - liver cancer at the age of 51
I have a history of MF and not just of the skin.
I feel tired all the time and I can't get my diabetes under control no matter what I do.
My stool has been very dark at times and very sticky - the last bx. They said I had abnormal poylps

Tell me your opinion of my symptoms after I explain them to you, please. I have been having severe pains in my left side for over a year, diverticulitis diagnosed, irritable bowel syndrome, take glyclolax frequently for my bowels, and have a BE-(Barium Enema) scheduled for Monday. I thought it was just scar tissue from previous surgeries, could it be more serious? Email me at [email protected], very concerned about the pain, it is not constant, but it won't let me ignore it either. Just want to know what you think, Thanks, Kaye

Some of these colon cancer symptoms can be caused by other conditions
such as infections, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, inflammatory
bowel disease and not necessarily colon cancer. However, if you notice
any of the following signs or symptoms, make sure to consult your
physician as soon as possible.

Recurring Vomiting

Although vomiting can be a result of motion sickness, unpleasant
smells or viruses, when vomiting and nausea are accompanied by symptoms
such as pain or constipation, then the cause could be colon cancer.

Unexplained Loss of Weight

Weight loss is a success for many, but if you have no definable
reason for your weight loss, there is a possibility that it was due to
colon cancer. However, weight loss may not reveal colon cancer until it
advances to a more extreme stage.

Furthermore, other reasons like diarrhea for more than a few days may
be the cause of your weight loss. However, diarrhea itself can be a
sign of colon cancer. When you experience conditions such as diarrhea,
abdominal pain cause unnecessary loss of weight, make sure to seek
professional medical advice.

Abdominal Pain

Stomach cramps or bloating is a common experience for most people.
Nevertheless, if the abdominal pain, cramps or bloating is somehow
unfamiliar or extreme, see a doctor know the cause. Make sure to monitor
your body well to know when something is not right.

Blood in Stool

When it comes to anal bleeding, it is noteworthy that it is a serious
matter regardless of the cause. See a doctor to determine the cause of
your bleeding whether it is hemorrhoids or a more serious issue such as
colon cancer. Seeking medical attention will help you find the best
treatment option for your condition.

Changes in Bowel Behaviors

Changes in our bowel patterns are fairly common. It may be caused by
constipation, diarrhea, or just by the type of food we eat. However, a
persistent change in the bowel habits may indicate the presence of colon
cancer. It is therefore helpful to consult a doctor if your
constipation or diarrhea persists for more than a few weeks.

Having narrower or abnormal stools or unusual changes in the
appearance of your stool may indicate colon cancer. Consult the doctor
if you see any of these changes to start receiving your dose of
treatment.

Unexplained Anemia

Anemia is caused by low levels of red blood cells in our body.
Furthermore, colon cancer may cause anemia due to an infinitesimal
amount of chronic blood cells in our stool. This bleeding leads to the
loss of iron in the red blood cells thus depleting the iron stored in
the body.

Women, on the other hand, experience a shortage of iron during their
menstruation. However, for men, it is not common and there is the need
for a further check-up by a physician to determine the deficiency.

Source: cancertreatment.education