The Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer has been gaining greater attention within the general population, as more and more cases have been found and more and more people are realizing the risks and the seriousness of the disease. One of the reasons it is a more challenging form of cancer is due to the method of diagnosis, which can include a rectal examination, which can be not only an embarrassing situation for many patients, but also painful and very uncomfortable. However, no one is free from risk, and even those as famous as Farrah Fawcett have lost their lives to this serious disease.

Knowing the symptoms of colon cancer can help you to distinguish when it may be time to speak to a doctor. Though this is a disease that can be a bit more embarrassing to diagnose, it must be identified as it can be very painful, and can cause a long battle that may even lead to death. Symptoms are often different from patient to patient, but there are general signs that you want to know exist with the disease so it can be identified early instead of later when it can become much more serious and much more difficult to treat successfully.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include a change in your typical bowel habits, which could include a drastic and constant change in consistency, frequency, and even color. Blood in the stool could be another sign that should be discussed with a physician immediately, as it could be a number of other conditions related to colon cancer as well. Another symptom would be discomfort in the abdomen that is unusual and persistent, including any types of cramps or even gas or serious pains. A frequent symptom could also be the sensation of being unable to empty the bowels completely, leading to constant need in relieving oneself, even when there is no real need.

Other symptoms can include weakness, fatigue, and even drastic and unexplained weight loss that could be contradictory to your diet. While you don't want to see any one of these symptoms and immediately assume that you are suffering from colon cancer, they could be warning signs you want to discuss with your doctor. When it comes to any type of cancer, even colon cancer, you always want to be safe rather than sorry. Even if it is a false alarm, you should feel no shame in discussing your concerns with a physician, and always know that no doctor is going to look at you differently or judge you for your concerns.