Colon cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer affecting men and women in the United States. Fortunately, early diagnosis can significantly improve your survival rate. Learn about the early warning signs and symptoms of colon cancer today.

Colon cancer is the third deadliest cancer in the United States, with over 100,000 new diagnoses every year. Sadly, due to the lack of symptoms, many people with colon cancer are diagnosed at a later stage of progression or misdiagnosed completely. Understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of colon cancer can help you catch it early and beat it. Keep reading to learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatments of colon cancer.  

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Although not always obvious, colon cancer does have some early warning signs and symptoms. If you're currently experiencing any of the following, it's important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider:

Changes in Bowel Habits

Many colon cancer symptoms mimic other gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Changes in bowel habits may be subtle at first, so many people do not let their doctor know. However, any changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Changes can include irregular bowel movements such as diarrhea or constipation — especially persistent symptoms that occur for more than a few days. 

Rectal Bleeding or Blood in the Stool

Colon cancer and colorectal cancer cause polyps to grow. These polyps typically begin as benign growths; however, they can become cancerous over time. When polyps are irritated, they tend to bleed, causing blood to appear in the stool or bleeding from the rectum. 

If you begin to notice blood on your toilet paper after a bowel movement or blood in the toilet, it's important to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Although rectal bleeding can also be a symptom of less severe conditions, such as hemorrhoids, it's still important to assess the cause.  

Abdominal Pain

New or increasing abdominal discomfort can be caused by less serious medical conditions such as gas or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However, persistent abdominal discomfort that doesn't go away could also be a symptom of colon cancer. 

Unexplained Weight Loss 

Many illnesses and health conditions can cause unexplained weight loss. However, if you are experiencing unexplained weight loss along with other symptoms such as a change in your bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or abdominal discomfort, schedule an appointment with your doctor. 

Fatigue

Colon cancer can cause a lack of energy and persistent exhaustion. If you still feel tired even after getting a good night's sleep, it's important to assess the possible cause. 

Treatments for Colon Cancer

Because colon cancer symptoms aren't always easy to recognize, it's important to get screened for colon cancer. A colonoscopy is an effective screening tool that can detect colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, both men and women should start regular screenings at age 45. If your screening detects any abnormalities, your healthcare provider will discuss your options with you. 

While colon cancer typically responds well to treatment, some types are more likely to recur and spread than others. Colon cancer spreads in a number of ways, including via the bloodstream, lymph nodes, or the colon wall. Some patients require surgery to remove their colon and a section of the small intestine if it is already affected, but other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy. 

Treatment options for colon cancer include:

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer. The type of surgery you'll need will depend on the cancer stage and includes:

Local excision: Local excision is suitable for early-stage colon cancer and does not require cutting through the abdominal wall. 

Colectomy: Larger cancer growths can be removed with a partial colectomy by removing cancer and some healthy tissue around it. 

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses a special probe with electrodes to kill cancer cells. This procedure can be completed with local anesthetic or general anesthetic, depending on where the cancer is located. 

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery uses an instrument to freeze and destroy cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to slow and stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy can be administered by mouth or injected and be either systemic or regional. The chemotherapy you receive will depend on your cancer stage and location. 

If you're experiencing any early symptoms of colon cancer, it's essential to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection can significantly increase colon cancer survival rate.