Colon cancer can sometimes present with symptoms that seem pretty ordinary, like fatigue or changes in bowel habits, which we all experience occasionally. However, it's crucial to recognize some specific signs of colon cancer that should not be overlooked.
1. Bloody Stools
Bloody Stools: If you notice blood or mucus mixed in with your stool regularly, it's essential to seek medical advice. This symptom can indicate several underlying conditions, including colon cancer, and may require tests such as a colonoscopy for accurate diagnosis. Recent studies have indicated that rectal bleeding is a significant red flag, particularly in younger patients, where it is often associated with more aggressive forms of the disease [3].
2. Anemia
Anemia: This condition occurs due to a significant drop in hemoglobin and red blood cells. It often leads to feelings of fatigue, shortness of breath, and can even make your skin look pale. Anemia is particularly common in patients with colorectal cancer, affecting nearly 40% of them at diagnosis. This association suggests that anemia could serve as an important diagnostic marker for detecting the disease early [5].
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained Weight Loss: A sudden drop in weight can be alarming. If you experience this alongside any other symptoms, it's definitely worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Unintentional weight loss is often linked to malignancies, including colon cancer, and can be an indicator of disease progression [2].
4. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Pain: Regular discomfort in your abdomen, like gas pains, can be a sign that you need to get checked out. Persistent abdominal pain, especially when accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms, should not be ignored, as it may indicate an underlying issue such as colon cancer [1].
5. Constipation
Constipation: If you're dealing with chronic constipation that lasts longer than usual, it might be linked to colon cancer. Changes in bowel habits, including constipation, can indicate an obstruction or other issues related to colorectal tumors [2].
6. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and Vomiting: Experiencing these symptoms regularly without a clear cause? It might be worth investigating, as they can be associated with colon cancer, even if they seem unrelated to your digestive system. These symptoms may arise from the cancer itself or as a result of bowel obstruction [4].
7. Trouble Passing Stool
Trouble Passing Stool: If you frequently feel like you can't completely empty your bowels or have an urgent need to go but nothing happens, that's definitely something to discuss with a doctor. Frequent changes in bowel habits, including difficulty in passing stool, can suggest an obstruction caused by a tumor [1].
If you have concerns about your health or want to understand these symptoms better, consider reaching out for an online doctor consultation. Our AI doctor can help answer any questions you have, so you can chat with a doctor online and get the support you need. Don't hesitate to talk to a doctor online today!
References:
- Rosemary C Callahan, Geetha Bhagavatula, Jillian Curry, Alyse W Staley, Rachel E M Schaefer, Faiz Minhajuddin, Liheng Zhou, Rane Neuhart, Shaikh M Atif, David J Orlicky, Ian M Cartwright, Mark Gerich, Arianne L Theiss, Caroline H T Hall, Sean P Colgan, Joseph C Onyiah. Epithelial heme oxygenase-1 enhances colonic tumorigenesis by inhibiting ferroptosis.. PubMed. 2024.
- Chao Qu, Shuting Yang, Tianli Shen, Qiuting Peng, Xuejun Sun, Yuyao Lin. Exploring the influence of anemia and inflammation indices on colorectal cancer: analysis of the national health and nutrition examination survey From 2011 to 2018.. PubMed. 2024.
- Swati G Patel. Iron Deficiency Anemia and Hematochezia Are Red Flags for Colorectal Cancer in Young Patients.. PubMed. 2022.
- Mikael Kangaspunta, Jorma Mäkijärvi, Selja Koskensalo, Arto Kokkola, Perttu Arkkila, Tom Scheinin, Suvi Rasilainen. Preoperative intravenous iron treatment reduces postoperative complications and postoperative anemia in preoperatively anemic patients with colon carcinoma.. PubMed. 2022.
- Mei Li, Yang Cao, Louise Olsson. A population-based study on time trends of hemoglobin in primary care comparing prediagnostic colorectal cancer patients vs age- and sex-matched controls.. PubMed. 2021.