C olon cancer commences in the large intestine of the digestive tract. Often, it starts as small benign cellular clumps (polyps) inside the colon. Polyps may show no symptoms and if not diagnosed may result in colon cancer.

Also known as colorectal cancer, colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in the country. While the below-mentioned symptoms may indicate colon cancer, other disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or infection may also be the cause of these.

Regular screening and being vigilant to prevent polyps from turning cancerous is crucial. Here are some common symptoms of colon cancer:

• Changes to bowel movements that lasts for several days
• Intestinal bleeding that reduces the number of healthy red blood cells
• Inability to empty the bowels 
• Loss of appetite and sudden and drastic weight loss
• Feeling cramps in the rectum
• Pain in the pelvic region
• Rectal bleeding
• Tiredness and fatigue that persists even after resting
• Dark blood patches or fresh blood while passing stools
• Bloating or discomfort in the belly
• Stringy, thin, and long pencil stools
• Persisting discomfort in the abdominal region, such as pain, cramps, or gas
• Gasping or shortness of breath as the cancer starts draining energy from your body resulting in fatigue

Identifying Symptoms

In the early stages of colon cancer, there is a possibility that one feels no visible symptoms. Whenever symptoms may appear, these may vary from one patient to another and depend on the location of the cancer within the large intestine and its size.

It is important to not ignore the aforementioned common symptoms of colon cancer, consult the doctor, and seek advice on when to commence colon cancer screening. Generally, physicians recommended regular screening when you reach 50 years. Those a family history or other risk factors may be recommend earlier or more frequent screening.

Those suffering from any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is important oen does not assume these to be minor, like hemorrhoids. The doctor may do a rectal exam as well as recommend a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. These tests insert a flexible and long tube inside the rectum to check within the intestines for any growth that may possibly become cancer or for existing cancer.