Unlike other cancers that manifest themselves in symptoms, colon cancer’s aren’t always obvious, but you can learn what these warning signs may look and feel like. But like other cancers, colon cancer may be brought on by any combination of factors, some of which are not entirely hereditary. Colon cancer, like other cancers, is treatable if detected early.

For a better understanding of colon cancer symptoms, it helps to learn something about the colon. As an important part of the digestive system, the colon has a major role in helping the body absorb nutrients, minerals, and water. It also helps rid the body of waste in the form of stool. The colon comprises the bulk of the large intestine, approximately six feet in length. The last six inches or so of the large intestine are the rectum and the anal canal.

Colon cancer symptoms come in two general varieties—the local and the systemic. The first may affect our toilet habits and the colon itself.  Some of the more common local symptoms of colon cancer include changes in your bowl habits, such as bowel movements that are either more or less frequent than normal; alternating bouts with constipation and diarrhea; bright red or dark red blood in your stools, if not black or “tarry” stools; thinner-than-normal stools (also called “pencil stools”) accompanied by the feeling of being unable to empty your bowels completely; and abdominal discomfort, including bloating, frequent gas pains, or cramps.

The second variety of symptoms comprise those that affect your whole body such as weight loss, and may include loss of appetite. unexplained fatigue. nausea or vomiting, anemia, and jaundice.

If you experience any of these for any length of time, even just a few days, a visit to the doctor is in order so that you can arrange for tests to get to the bottom of your symptoms.

Categories: disease, general, health

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