Colon cancer (or colorectal cancer) is the type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Today it is considered the third common reason for cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It is highly treatable if diagnosed early enough. The most common treatments are surgery and chemotherapy. Age is the primary risk factor: over 90% of colon cancer cases occur in older people (50 years and older).

Other risk factors include family history, genetic factors, and Crohn’s disease. Here are the common signs and symptoms of colon cancer:

1. Early symptoms of colon cancer
Most cancers in rectum or colon develop from polyps, so it is extremely important to find and remove them to prevent the development of cancer in the future. Other early signs might include:

  • Sudden and unexplained weight loss
  • Anemia due to the lack of iron in the blood
  • A constant feeling of a full bowel even when it is empty
  • Chronic abdominal pain
  • Rectal bleeding (either bright red or dark brown blood)
  • Ribbon-like and narrow stools

Even though this group of symptoms might be caused by other diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or hemorrhoids, they need to be discussed with a doctor.

2. Local symptoms of colon cancer
Local symptoms are the group of signs affecting the colon or rectum only without spreading to other distant organs. The most common local symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding or the presence of blood in the stool
  • Stools become thinner and narrower
  • Abdominal discomfort, bloating and cramps
  • Constipation

If you have been experiencing one or several local symptoms, it is important to talk to your physician or a health provider.

3. Systemic symptoms of colon cancer
System symptoms affect not only the digestive system but also other organs in the body. Here are common systemic signs of colon cancer that should be a matter of concern:

  • Lost appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Weakness
  • Chronic fatigue and the lack of energy to perform daily tasks
  • Jaundice

4. Metastatic colon cancer symptoms
This group of symptoms appears when the tumor has already metastasized throughout the body. The metastatic symptoms include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Shortness of breath and difficulties with breathing
  • Swelling of hands and feet
  • Swollen belly
  • Memory loss
  • Headaches
  • Double or blurred vision
  • Speech difficulties

It is also important to know and remember that in some cases colon cancer might show no symptoms until later stages. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer might also depend on the size and location of the tumor. As the tumor is growing, the symptoms become more evident by affecting not only the colon but other parts and organs of the body.