Recognizing Silent Threats — 8 Potential Signs of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a significant health concern, ranking among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While colon cancer can affect people of any age, routine screening is recommended starting at age 45 due to the increases in risk from aging. Often developing silently over time, adults must familiarize themselves with and become aware of the warning signs of colon cancer, as well as schedule routine colonoscopy screenings with their local gastroenterologist. Taking proactive steps toward early detection can increase patient’s chances of survival and prevention, ultimately improving their quality of life. 

While symptoms and signs of colon cancer can be indicative of other, less severe conditions, their persistence warrants prompt medical attention and screenings to rule out any extreme cases or instances of cancer or precancer. Here, we will discuss some potential signs and symptoms of colon cancer, highlighting the importance of routine colonoscopy screenings and patient education.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Persistent changes in bowel habits are one of the most common symptoms of colon cancer. Typically manifesting as constant diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bouts of both, bowel changes from colon cancer often lack a clear explanation, such as illness or dietary changes. 

If you are experiencing changes in your bowel habits, keep a journal detailing any food you have eaten or potential causes for changes in bowel habits. Suppose your bowel habits have changed significantly over two to three weeks without further explanation. In that case, you must consult your medical care providers or visit a gastroenterologist for additional insight into your gastric and digestive health.

Rectal Bleeding or Bloody Stools

Instances of bloody stool or visible blood on toilet paper are symptoms that should never be ignored. While hemorrhoids or anal fissures commonly cause rectal bleeding, the presence of blood can also be a potential indicator of more serious causes, such as colon cancer. 

Pay attention to the color of your blood when describing your symptoms to your doctor or gastroenterologist. In some cases, brighter blood indicates a more recent injury, indicating to medical professionals that the blood came from an area closer to the rectum. Whether the blood is bright red or darker, visiting a doctor is crucial in determining the underlying causes and assessing risk. 

While rectal bleeding is often easier to detect due to the visual presence of blood, small amounts of blood from deep in the colon can be less obvious. This type of bleeding is often darker than usual or contains streaks of blood mixed in. This darker blood can signal bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, including the colon. 

After making a bowel movement, observe the color of your stools for any signs of bleeding. If you observe any blood in your stool, consult your doctor or gastroenterologist promptly. Doctors may ask you to monitor for any other occurrences of blood in your stools or perform a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) to detect hidden blood and screen for colon cancer.

Abdominal Discomfort or Cramping

It is extremely common to experience the occasional stomach ache — or cramps if you are someone who has a menstrual cycle. However, persistent abdominal discomfort, including cramps, gas, bloating, or pain, can be signs of a more serious problem. While abdominal discomfort can encompass various illnesses or explanations, remember to listen to your body and assess your symptoms. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort in your abdomen area that is unrelated to digestion, menstruation, or other probable causes, it is essential to consult a doctor. 

Alternatively, abdominal pain can also be a sign of appendicitis — a prevalent, urgent condition usually requiring emergency surgical intervention. If you are experiencing sustained pain in the center of your stomach that moves to your lower-right-hand side, please seek urgent treatment at a hospital or call 911.

Feelings of Incomplete Bowel Movements

Feelings of incomplete bowel movements, or tenesmus, create a sensation of needing to have bowel movements even though the bowels are already empty. This can feel like a constant urge or increased pressure in the rectum, leading to mild to extreme discomfort.

While this may often be a side effect of other conditions such as anxiety, it can be a symptom of tenesmus — potentially caused by tumors in the rectum causing an increase in pressure or triggering feelings of passing stool.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without actively trying can be a subtle yet significant sign of an underlying medical condition, such as colon cancer. As the body fights illnesses, such as cancer, the cells start to use up and burn energy, affecting the body’s metabolic processes. 

If you’ve noticed significant and unintentional weight changes, it's essential to consult with your doctor and schedule a time for an evaluation of your health. 

Increased Nausea, Fatigue, and Weakness

As common symptoms of illness in general, feeling increasingly nauseous, tired, or fatigued can be an indicator of colon cancer. Tumors in the colon can cause blood loss or blockage, fatigue, or unexplained nausea and vomiting. 

If these symptoms persist or are accompanied by abdominal pain or other concerning symptoms, discuss with your doctor to rule out any other potential causes, such as pregnancy, flu, or other common conditions. 

Changes in Stool Consistency

While changes in bowel habits refer to the frequency of bowel movements, changes in stool consistency are equally important when observing colon cancer symptoms. According to the Bristol Stool Chart, healthy stools are often smooth, firm, and sausage-like, indicating a healthy pass through the colon, rectum, and anus. 

On the other hand, persistent stools that are narrower than usual (pencil-thin) or loose or watery can be a potential indicator of blockages or instances of colon cancer. 

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia, diagnosed through a blood test, can be a sign of chronic blood loss — often due to colon cancer. While anemia is a common condition with many other possible causes, usually more prominent in females, your doctor may recommend further testing, including colonoscopy screenings, if no other explanation for iron deficiency anemia is determined. 

Dr. Ernest Castro — Saving Lives Through Early-Detection and Routine Colonoscopy

Colon cancer is often treatable, especially when detected early. Regular screenings, including routine colonoscopies, are essential for identifying and detecting cancer in its early stages. Being proactive in your health by recognizing the signs and symptoms of colon cancer and scheduling routine check-ups with your gastroenterologist can significantly improve your chances of successful treatment and increase your quality of life. 

As Denver’s premier provider for gastroenterology care, Dr. Ernest Castro delivers personalized, thorough, and accurate colonoscopy screenings, ensuring that his patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses. With a mission to put patients first and restore the traditional values of medicine, Dr. Castro strives to help patients detect early stages of cancer or precancer, guiding them towards minimizing risk and leading a healthier life. For more information or to request an appointment, visit our website or call our office at (720) 605-7094.