Your colon (large bowel) is part of the digestive system. It helps to remove waste products from your system. Sometimes cells in the tissue of the colon can become malignant and develop into colon cancer. If you have risk factors for this disease, you and your doctor need to talk about getting screened. This is important because, according to the American Cancer Society, no symptoms are present in the early stages of colon cancer. By the time symptoms occur, you may be in the advanced stages of this disease. The best approach is to get tested routinely, however, it is also good to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms as well.
Change in Bowel Habits
Any change in your bowel movements lasting for a few days or more needs to be discussed with your health care team. This includes a change in how often you move your bowels and actual physical changes in your stools. The National Cancer Institute suggests to look for stools that are more narrow then normal. Be aware of stools that are bloody, especially if the blood is bright red or dark red. Another sign is the sensation that your bowel is not completely empty or feeling like you still need to go after you have had a bowel movement.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic states that colon cancer can cause diarrhea, constipation and vomiting. Talk to your doctor if you experience persistent gas pains, abdominal cramps, stomach pain or feel bloated or full.
Change in Weight
Another common sign of colon cancer is an unexplained loss of weight and a decreased appetite. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms vary, depending on the cancer's size and location within the large intestine.
Fatigue
According to the University of California Medical Center, unusual fatigue is another common sign. Fatigue is a common symptom of many diseases. If you have any of the above listed signs and symptoms and feel constantly tired or weak, talk with your doctor about getting tested.
Jaundice
A yellowish coloring of the skin or whites of the eyes is another sign that you may have colon cancer. This may occur as the waste product called bilirubin accumulates in the body. This can happen if your bowel movements are restricted and the bilirubin is not passed out.
