The early and late indicators of colon cancer, particularly abdominal pain and weight loss, often present challenges in their recognition. Symptoms may not manifest in the initial stages, and it’s common for warning signs to become apparent only in advanced stages, typically beyond stage II. This report focuses on educating those aged 50 or below, especially those at risk or with a family history of the disease, about the potential symptoms of colon cancer.
Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer:
Colon cancer symptoms, when evident in the early stages, may initially appear subtle. Given that most colon or rectal cancers originate from polyps, timely examination and removal of these polyps can aid in preventing their progression to cancer. Early warning signs or symptoms of colon cancer may include:
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss.
- Ribbon-like stools.
- Rectal bleeding, either bright red or dark in color.
- Feeling the need to empty your bowels but nothing passes.
- Iron deficiency anemia.
- Persistent abdominal pain.
While these symptoms may stem from less severe conditions like hemorrhoids, ulcers, or Crohn’s disease, seeking medical advice is crucial. Any presence of blood in the stool, even sporadically, should not be ignored.
Symptoms Affecting the Colon Only:
Colon cancer symptoms that impact solely the colon or rectum, without spreading to distant organs, encompass:
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation, or other changes in bowel habits.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Abdominal bloating, cramping, or discomfort.
- A feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation.
- Thinner stools than usual.
Systemic Symptoms of Colon Cancer:
Systemic symptoms of colon cancer extend beyond the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the entire body. These include:
- Unexplained loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Jaundice.
- Anemia.
- Weakness.
- Fatigue.
Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer:
In the initial stage, colon cancer may not exhibit overt signs. As symptoms progress, they can vary based on tumor size and location in the large intestine. Early symptoms may impact only the colon, leading to alterations in bowel habits. With cancer growth, systemic symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss may emerge. Changes in bowel habits that might signify colon cancer include:
- Change in the frequency of bowel movements.
- Changes in stool consistency (loose or watery stools).
- Blood in the stool (bright red spots or dark, tar-like stools).
- Rectal bleeding.
- Abdominal pain, bloating, or cramps.
- A persistent feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation.
Symptoms of Rectal Cancer:
Symptoms of rectal cancer, though resembling those of other bowel diseases, tend to persist and intensify as cancer progresses. Associated with bowel habits, signs may include:
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Inability to fully empty the bowel.
- Bloody stools.
- Changes in the size or shape of the stool.
Prevalence of Colon Cancer Symptoms:
The symptoms of metastatic colorectal cancer vary based on tumor size, spread beyond the colon or rectum, and affected organs:
- Bone involvement may lead to pain, fractures, constipation, and/or elevated calcium levels.
- Lung metastasis may manifest as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cough, pain, and/or fatigue.
- Liver metastasis can result in nausea, fatigue, swelling of the extremities, increased abdominal size, and/or jaundice.
- Abdominal lymph node involvement might cause bloating, flatulence, or loss of appetite.
- Brain or spinal cord metastasis may exhibit symptoms like pain, confusion, memory loss, headache, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, or epilepsy.
