What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

The variant of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, is known as colon cancer. The colon and the rectum build up the lower portion of the digestive system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excluding certain skin cancers, colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. As per the American Cancer Society's estimate, about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will form colon cancer in their lifetime. The diagnosis followed by treatment is based on the stage of cancer that the individual is suffering from.

Here in this article, we will take a look at the colon cancer symptoms and the related factors.

Stages of Colon Cancer

Doctors follow a staging phenomenon to interpret how far along the cancer is. Knowing the cancer stage is crucial as it helps build the right treatment plan for the doctor. Stage 0 is the earliest stage of colon cancer while stage 4 is the advanced stage. Let's take a look at how the stages are defined:

•    Stage 0- Also noted as carcinoma in situ, in this phase abnormal cells stay in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.

•    Stage 1- In this stage, cancer has pierced the lining, or mucosa, of the colon of the rectum to grow into the muscle layer. It still hasn't scattered to close lymph nodes or to other sections of the body.

•    Stage 2- In this stage, cancer has spread to the colon walls or the nearby tissues through cells but hasn't caught the lymph nodes yet.

•    Stage 3- The cancer shifts to the lymph nodes of the body.

•    Stage 4- In this advanced phase, cancer spreads to the other organs of the body like the lungs or liver.

What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

Individuals might not experience colon cancer symptoms at all during the early stages between 0-and 2. In case there are signs in this phase, it will mostly be:

•    Diarrhea
•    Constipation
•    Stool color changes
•    Blood in the stool
•    Excessive gas
•    Bleeding from the rectum
•    Fluctuations in stool shapes like narrowed stool
•    Abdominal pain and cramps

Many of these signs could be due to other, less serious conditions. However, visiting a doctor is recommendable in case the signs persist for more than a week. After checking, the doctor could guide properly and conduct a colon cancer screening if needed.

Stage 3 & 4 Symptoms of Colon Cancer (Late Stage Signs)

Most of the colon cancer symptoms are visible in the later stages which are 3 and 4. In addition to the above-mentioned symptoms, the individual might also experience:

•    Tremendous fatigue
•    Unexplained weakness
•    Unwanted weight loss
•    Changes in stool shape lasting more than a month
•    Vomiting
•    The constant feeling of the bowl not being empty

In case colon cancer scatters to the other parts of the body, the individual might also experience:

•    Jaundice
•    Hand or foot swelling
•    Breathing problems
•    Chronic headaches
•    Blurred vision
•    Bone fractures

Stage-Wise Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Let's take a detailed look at the stage-wise colon cancer symptoms.

Stage 1: This phase is usually accompaniment by signs including constipation, diarrhea, changes in stool color and shape, blood in stool, abdominal cramps and pain, and bleeding from the rectum.

Stage 2: The symptoms of colon cancer in stage 2 are mostly the same as that of stage 1 accompanied by abdominal pain, excessive gas problems, and so on.

Stage 3: In this later stage, the Symptoms mostly include tremendous fatigue, indescribable weakness, stool color changes, vomiting, and feeling of the bowl is not emptied properly.

Stage 4: The advanced colon cancer symptoms are jaundice, severe headaches, yellow skin or eyes, breathing difficulties, and bone fractures.

What are the Causes of Colon Cancer?

Research is still on about the exact causes of colon cancer. One of the causes could be genetic mutations which are either inherited or acquired. These mutations don't come with the guarantee of developing cancer but might increase the chances. Due to some mutations, the abnormal cells would gather in the colon lining forming small, benign growths called polyps. Untreated polyps could further go on to become cancerous. Hence, extraction of the same through surgery could be a great preventive measure.

Risk Factors Linked with Colon Cancer

Certain risk factors could increase the chances of developing colon cancer and can't be changed. Like, for example, family history, age, and ethnicity can all have an impact on the risk of developing this type of cancer.

The risk factors that cannot be controlled are:
•    Increasing age i.e. if aged over 50
•    An initial history of colon polyps
•    A previous history of bowel disease
•    A family history of colon cancer
•    Having some specific genetic syndrome like FAP
•    Being of African or Ashkenazi Jewish Decent

Risk Factors That Could be avoided

There are certain risk factors that the individual could avoid, i.e., taking care of those things could decrease the chances of developing colon cancer.
•    Having obesity
•    Being a regular smoker
•    Following a sedentary lifestyle
•    Regular consumption of diets rich in processed meat

Wrapping Up

The colon cancer symptoms in the initial stages are mostly invisible and are rather prominent in the later phase. In case you are going through any of the above-mentioned signs like the problem with the stool, constipation, or abdominal pain, it's wise to see a doctor. He will be able to check the matter and conduct further steps as required. While some of the risk factors like family history of the same illness, ethnicity, or age can't be controlled, there are other things that the individual can keep a check on. He can be careful with his weight, make sure to not lead a sedentary lifestyle, and choose to be smoke-free. These initiatives could help in decreasing the chances of developing colon cancer.

This was all about the colon cancer symptoms and the associated risk factors with it. While genetic mutations could be a cause of this illness, research is still on to find out the exact causes of colon cancer.

Note: The article is meant for the general awareness of the readers. In case, you or your loved ones experience any of the above stated symptoms; kindly consult a registered physician or health professionals.

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