5 sneaky signs of colon cancer everyone needs to know   

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor.  

Colon cancer can be very sneaky. It’s often slow to develop, so there aren’t obvious signs right away. That’s why it’s sometimes not diagnosed until the disease has progressed.  

And it often starts in a benign (noncancerous) way: with clusters of cells, called polyps, that grow inside the colon. But those polyps can change over time. And while colon cancer is a health problem that most often occurs in older adults, it can affect people of all ages. 

That’s why experts now suggest regular screenings for anyone over the age of 45. It gives doctors a chance to find and remove any polyps before they can become cancerous. 

It’s important to know what signs to look for. Here are five key questions for you to think about — at any age — to avoid being caught off guard.  

1. Are you feeling more tired or weaker than usual? 

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancers can often bleed into the digestive tract. Sometimes the blood can be seen in the stool or make it look darker, but often the stool looks normal. Over time, however, blood loss can build up and lead to low red blood cell counts (anemia). Sometimes the first sign of colorectal cancer is a blood test showing a low red blood cell count. 

Signs of anemia include feeling more fatigued than usual or having shortness of breath. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, or if you feel dizzy when you first stand up, check in with your doctor.

You can also talk to a Matrix Medical Network clinician about any potential colon cancer symptoms during a yearly in-home health and wellness assessment. This visit is part of your health plan membership — at no additional cost.

Stay ahead of serious health issues with an at-home health check.

 

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2. Are you feeling bloated or having abdominal discomfort? 

Don’t dismiss abdominal issues. While there are many conditions that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort — from something you ate to stress — it can also be a sign that something more serious is wrong. 

And it doesn’t have to be sharp pain. Some examples of discomfort you should take seriously include: 

• Frequent gas
• Dull aching sensation
• Cramps
• Feeling bloated every day  

Any of these could be a hidden sign of colon cancer. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms for several days. 

3. Are you losing weight without trying? 

Everybody gains and loses weight from time to time. But colorectal cancer can cause unintentional weight loss. That means a loss of 10 pounds or 5% of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months (sometimes less) without knowing the reason. 

There are many reasons people might lose weight when they have colorectal cancer. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it could be because cancer cells use up a lot of the body’s energy supply, and the immune system also uses energy as it fights the disease. It’s also true that cancer cells can release substances into the body that change the way food is converted to energy, which can cause weight loss. Or there could be a tumor blocking the colon, which could cause a change in bowel habits and lead to unexplained weight loss. 

4. Do you see blood in your poop? 

Many people assume that when they see blood covering their stool or on their toilet paper, it’s caused by hemorrhoids. Even though that is likely the case, be sure to check in with your provider just in case.  

However, if you see either of the following, you should check in with your doctor as soon as possible: 

• Black or dark red blood that may be mixed in with your stool
• Very dark stool — tarry looking, or almost black 

But here’s the thing: You may not see any blood at all, even if cancer is present. There could be so little of it that only a test would detect it. You may qualify to get a colon-cancer screening test kit at an in-home health assessment.  

5. Has anything changed about your poop schedule or consistency? 

It’s worth paying attention to your stool. Make sure you can answer these questions:  

• How often do you go?
• What does your stool usually look like?
• Has your schedule or consistency changed at all in recent days, weeks, or months? 

Understanding your bowel habits can help you know whether you should be concerned about the possibility of colon cancer.    

Keep these tips in mind as you think about your next steps 

Understand the importance of screenings. There’s no need to wait until you have a problem. Instead, get screened regularly until age 75. Your doctor will recommend how often you should schedule screenings and what type of screening is best for you each time. And if you’re 76 or older, discuss screening with your doctor. That’s the best way for you to decide what makes the most sense, based on your own needs. 

Pay attention to your current health and to your family’s health history. Your doctor may suggest that you have more frequent screenings if you have an inflammatory bowel disease, or if your family health history includes colon cancer. Find out as much as you can about your family’s health history and be sure to share it with your provider.  

Don’t just assume you have colon cancer. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have colon cancer. When in doubt, always check with your doctor to talk through your concerns and the most appropriate next steps. 

See our sources:
Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms: American Cancer Society 
Colon cancer: An overview of symptoms and causes: Mayo Clinic 
Colorectal cancer screening tests: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention