Colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is a condition that affects the colon and rectum. It is estimated that one in every twenty-four people will develop the disease. A worrying trend of late is the increase of the condition in younger people. Like all cancers, early detection ensures treatment can be done promptly. It is important to know about the symptoms of this disease. The article lists out the common symptoms of colon cancer.

Early stage symptoms
The symptoms of colon cancer vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the very early stages, there are unlikely to be any symptoms. These develop as the cancerous cells start to grow and spread to the nearby organs. These essentially lead to the malfunctioning of the healthy cells and tissues. Some of the common symptoms of colon cancer in the early stage are:

1. Changes in bowel habits that may cause diarrhea or constipation.
2. Changes in the color of the stool or in the shape of the stool.
3. Blood in the stools is a serious symptom that must never be ignored.
4. Gas and bloating in the abdominal area is another common symptom.
5. Cramps or pain in the abdomen is usually seen as a result of colon cancer.

These early symptoms are quite common, and hence likely to be confused with other problems. It is thus vital to not ignore them and consult a doctor at the earliest.

Later stage symptoms
During the early stages, colon cancer is present as a small polyp in the colorectal region. The tumor is located within this region only and will not have spread to the lymph nodes. This is the extent of the condition in stages 1 and 2. In stages 3 and stage 4 of cancer, the tumor will have spread to the lymph nodes and then to other parts of the body. During stage 3, newer symptoms may be seen. These are indicative of an advanced stage of cancer. Treatment becomes difficult and it is important to immediately consult a doctor if any of these signs are observed:

1. Prolonged fatigue and weakness.
2. Sudden and unexplained loss of weight.
3. Changes in bowel habits that last for a long time.
4. An uncomfortable feeling after bowel movements where it is felt that the bowels are still not empty.
5. Vomiting and increased abdominal discomfort.

Once cancer spreads to other organs, symptoms one is likely to experience would include:

1. Jaundice, which brings about a yellow tinge to the skin and eyes.
2. Swelling in the arms and feet.
3. Difficulty in breathing.
4. Problems with vision, leading to blurred eyesight.