Studies reveal that approximately 7% of the population of U.S. is afflicted with colon cancer. It is a life-threatening disease, but it is also highly curable, if detected in the early stages. Often, during the initial stages, colon cancer is symptomless. The signs appear only when the disease has spread to the other parts of the body.
In order to cut down the risk, regular check-ups and proper knowledge of the signs and symptoms of colon cancer are essential. In the following paragraphs, we shall throw some light on the prominent symptoms of the dreadful disease.
Rectal bleeding is usually attributed to hemorrhoids, which are relatively harmless. However, in the case of colon cancer, bright red or black blood may be clearly visible on the stool or it may be hidden. Furthermore, bleeding is associated with iron deficiency anemia, fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.
If the tumor grows in size to block the intestine wholly or partially, then abdominal distension, bloating and flatulence occur. Abdominal pain is less common and usually crop up when the bowel contents leak into the pelvis and cause inflammation and infection. Yet another cause of abdominal pain is perforation of the bowel.
With respect to colon cancer, rectal pain is less common. Whenever it occurs it indicates that the tumor is in the rectum, and it has grown and invaded the surrounding tissues.
Changes also occur in the character of the bowel movement. Diarrhea, constipation, pencil stool and feeling of incomplete evacuation are some prominent changes.
Some more signs and symptoms of colon cancer are nausea, vomiting and unexplained weight loss.
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