Colon cancer occurs in the lower part of your digestive system.
He's barely distinguishable from cancer of the rectum (the cancer that grows very close to the anus) but both are usually referred to as “colorectal cancer”.
Colorectal cancer usually starts as small, non-cancerous (benign) masses of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time, some of these polyps develop into colon cancer cells.
Polyps can cause symptoms, but they are often very mild and are not noticed in time. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests for early prevention of colorectal cancer by checking for polyps before they develop into colorectal cancer.
Colon cancer: Symptoms
- Unexplained change in your bowel movements, including frequent diarrhoea, constipation or change in the consistency/composition of your stools
- Bleeding from the rectum, or blood in your stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramping, gas, or pain
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely when you go to the toilet
Weakness, or fatigue - Unexplained weight loss
Many people with colorectal cancer experience no symptoms at all in the early stages of the disease.
When symptoms do occur, they are likely to vary, depending on the size of the cancerous tumour and its location in the colon.
Colon cancer: When to see a doctor
If you notice any symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as blood in your stool or a change in bowel habits, make an appointment with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about when you should have a colorectal cancer test. Generally, cancer occurs in the colon after age 50.
Your doctor may recommend that you have more frequent screenings for colorectal cancer if there are other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.
