Bowel cancer is more commonly known as colon cancer, or colorectal cancer. (It's referred to as bowel cancer throughout parts of Europe, but in the United States it's referred to as colon cancer.) Unfortunately, there are not many early symptoms of bowel cancer, so it's rarely diagnosed in its early stages. There are a few signs to look for, however, that may suggest trouble in the colon.
Bleeding
According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, one of the first signs that something is wrong is rectal bleeding. This can be overlooked for some time because it's often assumed to be the result of a hemorrhoid and not bowel cancer. The bleeding can appear to be fresh blood expelled from the body along with the stools, or it can appear as mixed with the stools, causing them to appear black or spotted. If you experience rectal bleeding and have not found relief if you have been treating it as a hemorrhoid, bring it to the attention of your physician.
Changes in Stools
The American Cancer Society says that with bowel cancer, you may also see a change in the size and shape of your stools. Bowel cancer develops into a polyp or growth. If this growth is in the rectum, it can narrow the stool passageway, causing the stools to be narrow as well. You may also experience a change in the consistency of your stools, such as diarrhea, constipation or simply loose stools.
Abdominal Pain
Bowel cancer can also show early symptoms as abdominal pain and discomfort. But these symptoms are also symptoms of other medical conditions, so bowel cancer may be the last thing suspected. The Mayo Clinic reports that abdominal symptoms include pain, gas and cramping. These may be accompanied by a feeling that the bowel is still full and needs emptying, even though you aren't able to produce a bowel movement.
If you experience any of these early symptoms of bowel cancer and they last for more than three days, bring them to the attention of your medical provider and ask to be screened for bowel or colon cancer. Those who detect bowel cancer early have a much greater survival rate.
