Bowel, or colon cancer, is cancer that develops in the large intestine or the rectum, according to MedlinePlus. Bowel cancer refers to all tumors that originate in the colon. Cancer that spreads to the colon from other organs, like the lymph nodes or liver, is not considered colon cancer. A proper knowledge of the symptoms of colon cancer can help patients recognize the disease and aid doctors in the proper diagnosis.
Change in Bowel Habits
Patients who experience a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation may be suffering from bowel cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. This symptom can result from a cancerous mass that blocks the colon. Patients experiencing such a change in bowel habits that lasts for more than six weeks should seek medical attention.
Blood in the Stool
Patients who experience sudden bleeding when they defecate might have bowel cancer, as reported by CancerHelp UK. The bleeding can result from a tumor damaging the blood vessels in the colon. The blood usually appears bright red and can cause distress to the patient. Doctors should perform other tests in order to determine if the bleeding is due to cancer or to a less serious disease, such as hemorrhoids.
Weight Loss
Patients who notice they are losing weight for no apparent reason may have bowel cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Cancer cells use large amounts of the body's energy in order to grow so rapidly. This energy is scavenged from the body's fat and muscle reserves. This scavenging leads to weight loss despite a proper diet.
Unexplained Anemia
Anemia is a condition characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells. MedlinePlus states that anemia that is not explained by any other condition or disease may be a sign of bowel cancer. The anemia results due to bleeding that the colon cancer causes in the intestines. A simple blood test can find the anemia caused by colon cancer. The bleeding should receive treatment before it results in massive blood loss and shock.
Signs of Bowel Blockage
CancerHelp UK lists various signs of bowel blockage as possible symptoms of bowel cancer. These symptoms include a bloated feeling, chronic constipation, narrow stool, or gripping pain in the stomach. All of these conditions can result because of a tumor mass extending into the hollow cavity of the colon and blocking the flow of feces.
