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Colon cancer is a cancer that originates in the lining of the colon or rectum. It has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention it is the third most common cancer type in both men and women.

Causes of colon cancer can be many. In most cases, benign or noncancerous polyps formed in the colorectal lining eventually manifest as cancer. Other risk factors include:

• Being 60 or above
• Eating a diet rich in processed and red meats
• Having a family history of the disease
• Having had breast cancer
• Having ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

The reason why colon cancer is so tricky is that there are almost no symptoms in the early stages when full recovery is possible. Colon cancer is often detected through regular screening and diagnostic tests.

Warning Signs & Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Warning signs of colon cancer in men and women is the same. Some of the signs and symptoms to watch out for include the following.

• Bouts of diarrhea and constipation: While there are no real symptoms of colon cancer, changes in the tumor's size and characteristics may cause you to experience bouts of recurrent diarrhea and constipation.
• Tarry colored stool: Another warning sign is changes in the color of your stool. The presence of blood in the stool, causing it to appear either red or black, means that you need to visit a doctor and get tested.
• Abdominal discomfort: Chronic abdominal discomfort such as cramping and pain or bloating and a feeling fullness are signs of something being wrong. While this could be a symptom of other underlying conditions, you should consult a doctor and get tested if the discomfort persists.
• Change in stool size: Due to the presence of tumors, the intestines may become narrower. As a result, your stool might appear thinner than normal, even pencil thin. If you notice this change in your stool, you should consult a doctor immediately.
• Feeling that the bowel is not empty: Even after you have passed stool, you may still feel that your bowel is not completely empty. This is definitely one of the warning signs of colon cancer, and you should get checked if this feeling persists over a few days.
• Nausea: You may experience persistent nausea as a result of the growing tumor. If you have nausea that lasts for more than a few days, get checked.
• Weight loss: Most people with colon cancer may tend to eat less due to the feeling of discomfort. This unintended weight loss could also be an early warning sign of colon cancer.
• Constant tiredness: A feeling of tiredness is one of the most common symptoms of any type of cancer. It is believed that some cancers release a kind of chemical known as cytokines, and these chemicals are what cause the fatigue.
• Anemia: Some cancers destroy healthy blood cells, resulting in anemia. Anemia also causes fatigue. Hence, if you find that you are anemic or constantly tired, get tested.

References

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001308/
• http://www.health.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/content/bw-facts
• http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/data/men.htm
• http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/data/women.htm