Colon cancer affects the large intestine, or colon, and begins in most instances as small groups of cells known as polyps that eventually grow into cancer. Colon cancer presents few if any symptoms in its beginning stages, making it difficult to diagnose without some sort of examination that is specifically looking for it. The fact that most cases of colon cancer come with no signs makes such screening imperative, especially for individuals who have been identified as being at a high risk of developing this type of cancer.
Blood in the Stool
The polyps that can develop in the walls of the colon and then turn into cancer take a long time to grow large enough to become a problem. This means that there will be very few signs of the cancer early on. Some signs that may appear include blood in the stool, but this sign can come from other conditions such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids and other digestive tract troubles. Blood in the stool should never be taken lightly; when it is consistently present a check-up should be scheduled as soon as possible.
Bowel Habit Symptoms
Another potential indicator that colon cancer may be present is a change in bowel habits. This could mean that constipation is a problem. Diarrhea, featuring loose and watery stools, may also be a sign of colon cancer, as can a change in the consistency and make-up of the stool. If such a change lasts for more than two weeks, then colon cancer may be the reason. However, because so many other digestive-related conditions can cause such a change in bowel habits, these early signs of colon cancer are often overlooked.
Pain Symptoms
Pain that develops in the abdominal region can be one of the earliest signs of colon cancer. Such pain would be persistent and can manifest itself in the form of cramping. Excess gas and pain while having a bowel movement can signal colon cancer as well. But in most cases such pain symptoms will not appear until the colon cancer has grown in size. Other signs of colon cancer in an advanced stage are weight loss despite eating normal meals and a feeling of constant fatigue. Another is feeling as if there is still stool left in the bowel after having a bowel movement.
Screening for Colon Cancer
Since most colon cancer comes from polyps it is wise to screen for these growths, since symptoms of the disease rarely present themselves until the cancer is advanced. A stool blood test and a stool DNA test can detect colon cancer at an early stage, but both tests do not always find cancer even when it is present. A colonoscopy is often the best way to determine if colon cancer is present. It is a procedure in which a long tube with a lighted camera mounted on one end is sent up through the rectum and into the colon to look for polyps and other abnormalities. Colonoscopies are recommended for people beginning at the age of 50, when they are considered to be of average risk at developing colon cancer; such a procedure is prudent at a much earlier age when the risk of colon cancer is high.
Increased Risk
There are many factors that put a person at having a higher risk of developing colon cancer than normal. Nine out of 10 people diagnosed with colon cancer are over 50 years old, so age is one factor. Having inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, such as colitis, or inherited conditions that contribute to colon cancer are also factors. If someone has a family history of the disease or consumes a diet high in protein and fats but low in fiber, then the risk of colon cancer increases. Lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol consumption and being treated with radiation for other forms of cancer all can heighten a person's risk of developing colon cancer.
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