A Word about Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer generally does not show the symptoms in early stages. They do not emerge until the disease gets into a complex stage. Thus the colon cancer screening is highly important to detect colon cancer in the initial stages, before the symptoms start appearing. Following are some of the symptoms of colon cancer:

• Blood in Stool – It is a most common symptom of colon cancer, but actually is not always noticeable. Some tests such as the fecal occult blood test spot blood in the stool which might be unnoticed to the naked eye. People generally overlook this symptom as it is related to many less stern health problems, such as anal fissures and hemorrhoids. In fact some foods stuff, such as the watermelon, beets, and red licorice may too make the stools look red. One must always report doubtful stool activity to the doctor to be on the safer side.

• Thin Stools – The motions our stool is a good way to know what is going on in our bowel. Ribbon-like or thin stools indicate that something is jamming the way of stool, may be a tumor. Some less stern conditions may also wreak thin stools, such as hemorrhoids or a large benign cyst. A thin stool might be as thin as a pencil. If the thinner stools persist, even if they are not as thin as a pencil, it’s better to discuss it with your doctor.

• Constipation – Constipation is a vague symptom of colon cancer. Recurring constipation could be the indication of numerous things, possibly a condition much less severe than the colon cancer. Though, persistent constipation may be stern, so it is imperative to let your physician know. In case of colon cancer, constipation arises when a tumor hinders the colon.

• Often Feeling Like Emptying Your Bowel – The frequent and false feeling of emptying your bowel or to feel as if there is something in your bowel may be one of the symptoms of colon cancer. This can indicate the existence of a tumor, which tends the colon to feel full, even when it actually is not.

• Abdominal Pain – Abdominal pain is another uncertain symptom of colon cancer. This generally crops up when a tumor blocks the colon. Gas trouble is also common in such case as the tumor hindrance doesn’t let the gas to travel down the colon properly to egress the body.

• Tiredness – Persistent tiredness can indicate a stern health problem. In case of colon cancer, tiredness generally indicates anemia, because of excessive blood loss in the stool. Similar to the other symptoms of colon cancer, tiredness too is an unclear symptom and could be related to many other common health conditions.

People usually feel shy or embarrassed to talk about bowel troubles with their doctor. This is wrong as it may lead to a preventable delay in detecting colon cancer. Remember, the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to be treated with better projections.