Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer, is a medical condition that arises when abnormal, cancerous cells begin to grow within the lining of the bowel, a term used to collectively describe the colon (large intestine) and rectum. This form of cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States but is treatable if symptoms are caught early. Speak with your doctor immediately if you develop any signs or symptoms of bowel cancer.
Abdominal Pain
One of the most common signs associated with bowel cancer is abdominal pain. Bowel cancer can cause cancerous cells to accumulate within the lining of the colon or rectum, causing inflammation or irritation. Such side effects can lead to swelling of the intestine, which can cause painful symptoms to emerge. Abdominal pain can be constant or intermittent and can be characterized as dull, achy, cramping or sharp, depending upon the extent of bowel cancer growth.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Cancerous cell growth within the lining of the bowel can interfere with the normal function of the digestive tract. If this occurs, you can develop changes in your bowel habits. Some people with bowel cancer experience a frequent urge to have a bowel movement, which produces loose or watery stools (diarrhea). Other people with this condition may experience difficulty producing a bowel movement (constipation). As cancerous cells build up within your bowel, the bowel can begin to narrow, which can cause you to produce abnormally thin, pale stools. You may also notice the appearance of blood within your stools due to intestinal damage caused by bowel cancer cells. Such signs of bowel cancer may be accompanied by symptoms of abdominal cramping, pain or bloating.
Jaundice
If your bowel becomes irritated and swollen due to bowel cancer, it can begin to push into surrounding organs, such as your liver. This can cause you to develop a condition called jaundice, which is characterized by the yellowing of the skin or the white parts of the eyes.
Weight Loss
Bowel cancer can cause you to experience digestive complications that may lead to a decrease in appetite. Bowel irritation may also interfere with your body's ability to absorb necessary nutrients from the food that you consume. If this occurs, you can develop significant, unintended weight loss as a symptom of bowel cancer, explain health professionals at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Washington.
Fatigue
Patients with bowel cancer often experience symptoms of extreme fatigue. This may occur because your body is unable to absorb adequate levels of nutrients and electrolytes from the food that you eat. Symptoms of fatigue can significantly interfere with your ability to complete your usual day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
