Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer

What Is Colon Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that causes uncontrolled cell mutation and growth. Typically, healthy cells reproduce at the same rate as they die. This allows new cells to continually replace the ones that are lost. When cells become cancerous, however, they start reproducing much faster than old cells die. This creates a constantly-growing mass, called a tumor, that no longer performs the tissue’s original function. As it grows, the tumor may also press against nearby tissues and impede their function.

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the colon, or large intestine. This organ is responsible for removing water, nutrients, and electrolytes from digested food before it leaves the body as waste. Most colon cancer develops in the innermost layer of the colon’s lining. The tumor begins to grow outward through the colon’s muscle walls and into nearby blood or lymph vessels. Over time, it may spread or metastasize to lymph nodes and other organs in the body.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Researchers aren’t yet sure what causes cancer to develop. However, they have determined several risk factors for colon cancer, including some that people have control over. These include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Not being physically active
• Smoking
• Low-fiber diet
• Overconsumption of red and processed meats
• Overconsumption of alcohol

By maintaining a healthy weight and diet and avoiding cigarettes, people can reduce their risk of developing colon cancer. Other risk factors, however, cannot be changed. These include:

• Age 50 and older
• Certain racial and ethnic backgrounds
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
• A personal history of colorectal polyps
• A family history of colon cancer

While all these factors can increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer, this disease can affect anyone — even young, healthy individuals. As a result, it is essential to pay close attention to your colon and digestive health. Noticing and reporting symptoms early may mean the difference in making sure cancer treatment is successful.

Common Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer affects all people differently. Some individuals may not recognize any changes, or the symptoms may be minimal and easily mistaken for another disease. Others, meanwhile, may experience significant discomfort as a result of colon cancer. It is important to note that the great majority of women and men who experience one or more of the symptoms will not have colon cancer.

Symptoms may also vary. Some of the most common include:

Subtle Changes in Bowel Habits

A change in bowel habits is among the most common effects of cancer. Many people with colon cancer find themselves using the restroom with increasing frequency and urgency. These individuals may also experience persistent and unexplained diarrhea or constipation. In addition, bowel movements should bring a sense of relief. If a person experiences a bowel movement but still feels “full,” the lingering sensation may indicate an underlying problem.

Changes in Stool Appearance

Cancer may also cause a change in the appearance of bowel movements. Stools may be consistently pencil-thin, flat and ribbon-like, or lumpy and hard like small pebbles. This alteration in shape is due to a narrowing or obstruction in the colon, which may be a tumor. There also may be mucus present in the stool, another indicator of a gastrointestinal problem.

Blood in Stool

Rectal bleeding is among the most frequent signs that cause people to seek medical care. Blood in stool may cause red streaks, or it may make stools look dark brown or black. Bright red blood coming from the anus, occurring outside of bowel movements, is also cause for concern. Though this may be caused by a less serious condition, such as hemorrhoids, it can also be a sign of cancer.

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Individuals with colon cancer also experience frequent gastrointestinal issues due to the tumor’s interference with normal digestion. People may notice frequent gas pains, bloating, cramps, a feeling of fullness, or other forms of abdominal discomfort. While occasional gas and bloating may be a temporary problem caused by stress or diet, individuals should see a doctor about persistent issues.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Weight loss is typically regarded as a good thing. If significant weight loss does not coincide with dietary or exercise changes, however, it often indicates an underlying issue. People experiencing cancer-related weight loss may also feel constant fatigue. An individual may feel extremely tired all the time and may find it difficult to work or participate in recreational activities. This fatigue is often attributed to stress or other issues. If experienced alongside other symptoms, however, it should be reported to a doctor.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a condition caused by insufficient red blood cells, or hemoglobin. This reduces the blood’s ability to transport oxygen and vital nutrients throughout the body. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, loss of energy, and persistent fatigue. IDA may develop due to a variety of causes, including pregnancy, an iron-deficient diet, or colon cancer.

Identifying Colon Cancer

Many of the above symptoms can arise from a variety of health issues, and none of them is a sure sign of cancer. They may, however, indicate a serious underlying issue. Individuals should always report major health changes to a medical professional. Prompt medical evaluation is the first step to determining the cause and planning an effective treatment.

Furthermore, many cases of colon cancer do not cause symptoms until the advanced stages. This may make it difficult to detect cancer before it has already progressed. While people should be aware of the symptoms, individuals should also seek regular colon cancer screenings even when experiencing no health issues. Screenings can detect colon cancer before it begins causing health complications. An early diagnosis opens the door to more treatment options, improving the person’s chances of survival.

Trust the Colon Cancer Care Specialists at RCCA

Awareness of colon cancer symptoms plays an important part in detecting the disease before it progresses. Early detection and treatment are the best defenses against colon cancer. This is why RCCA is committed to educating patients on cancer and its indicators.

Regional Cancer Care Associates specialists provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home. In addition to serving patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers, and benign blood disorders, RCCA care centers also provide infusion services to people with a number of non-oncologic conditions — including multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, asthma, iron-deficiency anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis — who take intravenously-administered medications.