In most cases, colon cancer is diagnosed at the later stages, as the early signs of the condition are most often confused with non-cancerous gastrointestinal disorders, such as hemorrhoids, ulcers, and Crohn’s disease. However, if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it is advisable to seek medical help.

Some common and rare symptoms of colon cancer:

Common symptoms

It should be noted that in the initial stages of this condition, there are no common and rare symptoms of colon cancer exhibited.

• Abdominal pain
  Sharp pain in the abdomen could be caused due to the blockage or perforation of the bowel. Chronic pain, bloating, and cramping could be symptoms of colon cancer. Nausea and vomiting could also be caused due to a growing tumor.
• Fatigue
  Fatigue is a common symptom for most forms of cancer, as your body tries to fight it. Tiredness that does not resolve even after rest could be due to internal bleeding or anemia.
• Changes in stool color and shape
  Among all the common and rare symptoms of colon cancer, this is probably the most indicative of the condition. Stool that is very dark or black or has traces of blood in it should not be ignored. Also, if you notice any changes in stool shape, such as it has become thin or narrow, it could also be a sign of colon cancer. Hence, any changes in the stool should not be taken lightly. Consult your doctor immediately and get screened for colon cancer.
• Weight loss
  Loss of weight without any changes in diet or exercise could be a sign of cancer. This could be due to your body not being able to absorb sufficient nutrients or the cancer cells using up all the energy to grow, develop, and progress.
• Rectal pain
  Rectal pain and the urge for a bowel movement with no stool being produced is known as tenesmus, could be the result of a tumor in the rectum trapping the stool.

Rare symptoms

In the advanced stages, colon cancer could produce one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fever
  If the tumor breaks out of the intestines, it may cause an abscess, which results in a fever.
• Breathing issues
  If cancer has spread to the lungs, it can cause coughing, breathing issues, or chest pain.
• Bone pain
  If cancer spreads to the bones, it can result in bone pain, fractures, and high blood calcium levels.
• Air bubbles in the urine
  If cancer progresses from the colon to the bladder, air bubbles could occur in the urine. This is also known as pneumaturia.
• Headaches
  If cancer spreads to the spinal cord, it could result in changes in vision, headaches, and seizures.

Being aware of the common and rare symptoms of colon cancer could help with early detection and commencement of treatment. This will have an impact on the success of the treatment.