Colon Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis: An Introduction
As with most cancers in their early, most treatable stages, there are no early
colon cancer symptoms. For this reason, it is important to have regular screening tests to check for
colon cancer -- even when you might not notice anything wrong.
Common Colon Cancer Symptoms
- A change in the frequency of bowel movements
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Either bright red or very dark blood in the stool
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- General abdominal discomfort (such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and/or cramps)
- Weight loss with no known reason
- Constant tiredness
- Vomiting.
These symptoms may be caused by
colon cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions. Therefore, it is important to check with a doctor if you have any of these possible
colon cancer symptoms so a proper diagnosis can be made.
Also, don't wait to feel pain before you seek medical attention. Early colon cancer usually doesn't cause pain, so be sure to see your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.
If a person has any colon cancer symptoms, the doctor must determine whether they are due to cancer or some other cause. The doctor will ask about your personal and family medical history, and may do a physical exam.
To make a colon cancer diagnosis, one or more tests are usually performed. These are the same tests used for
colon cancer screening. They can include:
