Colon Cancer

Symptoms

Colon cancer frequently develops without early signs or symptoms. Symptoms that can occur include:

• Diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits lasting 10 days or more
• Blood in the stool (either bright red or dark in color)
• Unexplained anemia
• Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen
• Abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and cramps)
• Intestinal obstruction
• Weight loss with no known reason
• Stools narrower than usual
• Constant tiredness

These signs and symptoms can be caused by cancer or by a number of other conditions. It is important to talk to your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms and to screen for colon cancer even if you don't. If the polyps that lead to the cancer are detected and removed, colon cancer can often be prevented. If colon cancer is detected early, it is up to 90% curable.