You may have colon cancer if you… — symptoms to know
A headline like this can be alarming, but having one of these symptoms does not mean you have colon cancer. Many have much more common causes. The important point is that persistent or unexplained changes in bowel habits should be evaluated.
Possible warning signs include:
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Blood in or on the stool — bright red blood or very dark/black stool can have several causes, including gastrointestinal bleeding.
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A persistent change in bowel habits — new diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two.
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A feeling that you still need to have a bowel movement after going.
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Narrower-than-usual stools that persist rather than occurring occasionally.
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Persistent abdominal pain or cramping.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Unusual or persistent fatigue — sometimes caused by anemia from slow gastrointestinal blood loss.
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Iron-deficiency anemia, particularly when there isn’t an obvious explanation.
When should you get checked?
Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe. If you notice blood in your stool, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing abdominal symptoms, arrange a medical evaluation.
Screening is also important because colorectal cancer can develop without symptoms. The appropriate screening age and test depend on your age, family history, previous findings, and personal risk.
🚨 Get urgent help for
Heavy rectal bleeding, black/tarry stools with weakness or dizziness, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or fainting can require urgent medical attention.
Bottom line: No symptom alone diagnoses colon cancer. But new, persistent, or unexplained bowel changes deserve medical attention, and routine colorectal-cancer screening can detect disease before symptoms appear.
