Colon Cancer Symptoms

The colon is part of the body's digestive system and, like many other parts of the body, can become a place for the growth of cancer. A tumor in this region is known as colon cancer. And like some other cancers, the tumor can develop without necessarily giving the patient obvious signs or symptoms, certainly at the beginning of the disease. And again like some other cancers, the patient can have symptoms which are common to colon cancer without the cancer being there at all.

The colon plays two important roles. It helps the body absorb various essentials such as minerals, nutrients and water and it also assists in ridding the body of waste products. Most of the large intestine is part of the colon and the latter part of the large intestine is made up of the anal canal and the rectum.

So what symptoms could be a sign that the patient has developed colon cancer? Well here are some of the symptoms which deal specifically with your toilet habits and your colon.

1. Constipation which means the patient has trouble having a bowel movement. There could be a blockage due to the growth of a tumor.

2. Unusual bowel movements which could mean [a] more movements than normal or fewer movements or [b] producing abnormal stools which may be thinner than usual or [c] discolored stools which could be red or black.

3. Diarrhea

4. A combination of constipation followed by diarrhea.

5. Abdominal pain which could include cramps, gas or bloating.

There are other symptoms for patients with colon cancer but these are more general and can apply to the body as a whole.

1. Weight loss particularly when the patient is not trying to lose weight.

2. A change of skin color which can be called jaundice seen also in the whites of your eyes.

3. Being sick with vomiting and nausea and generally feeling unwell.

4. Losing your appetite and not being interested in food.

5. Being tired and even fatigued to the extent that you have little energy.

6. Anemia which is a lack of iron in your blood.

As with other cancers, having some of the above symptoms does not mean you have colon cancer and many people will suffer from an upset stomach and anemia when they do not have colon cancer. But the advice is always the same. Do not delay in seeing your doctor if these symptoms exist. It is far better to be safe than sorry and the sooner any cancer which may exist is detected, the better are your chances of beating the disease.

There will always be some people who are afraid of or embarrassed about taking a colon cancer test. There is no need to think or feel that way. Patients should know that the test does not hurt, that millions of people have been tested for this disease and that the medical staff who are involved in the test have at some time been patients themselves. It's a simple and safe procedure with potentially great benefits.

As isolated as you may feel right now, you are not alone. Cancer diagnosis is no longer the end of the story. Cancer survivors prove every day that this can be the beginning of a whole new positive chapter in your life. Join our unique community of cancer survivors to be right now and receive a FREE report on Cancer Survivor's tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rita_Goldman