Colon cancer manifests itself as clusters of abnormal cells which form along the inner wall of the colon, which degenerate over time and eventually become adenocarcinomas, or cancer that originates from glandular tissue such as the colon. This type of cancer often occurs in men and women below the age of 40, often affecting people with Crohn's disease, with breast, uterine or ovarian cancer now or in the past, and with a family history of colon cancer. An unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking and some prescription drugs often cause cancer. If you'd like to find out if you have colon cancer, here are the disease's symptoms:
Constipation and/or Diarrhea. Colon cancer often affects your bowel habits, which can cause dramatic changes in the amount and characteristics of your bowel. Oftentimes, it would feel as if you haven't emptied your bowel even after several trips to the bathroom. Other times, a relentless and consecutive need to relieve yourself may occur. If there are dramatic changes to your bowel habits lately, take it as a sign.
Thin Stool. A thin stool can occur if ever there's a blockage in the rectal passage. This blockage may be in the form of a tumor in the latter part of the passage (indicative of colon cancer), which often produces a thin stool.
Stomach Cramps. Although rare in colon cancer, it's still possible for you to have stomach cramps because of the inflammation and infection in the digestive tract.
Bloody Stool. This is probably one of the most telling signs of colon cancer, since tumors or abnormal lumps in the colon can induce bleeding and show in your excretions. While blood in the stool is also indicative of other conditions-such as tearing up of the linings in the anus or the ingestion of certain foods that turn stools red-it is still advisable to pay attention when you start having blood in your stool.
Weight Loss. The presence of a tumor in your body can possibly increase your metabolism, leading to abrupt and unexplained weight loss. While some may look at weight loss positively, often it is indicative of a certain ailment or abnormality inside the body. If you tend to lose weight without going on a diet or getting too much exercise, it's time to think twice whether you're really shedding pounds or are possibly stricken by cancer.
Nausea and Vomiting. Because of complications occurring in your colon, it is possible to experience nausea and vomiting once in a while.
Rectal Pain. If you have a tumor in your rectal passage, it may be a little painful during fecal discharge because the tumor is invading the surrounding tissue in the area, causing major discomfort.
These symptoms may also be indicative of other complications, so it's best to quickly pay attention once you experience any or all of these symptoms and see a doctor for proper treatment and medication.
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