The colon is the large intestine, the bowel that extends from the small intestine to the anus. The colon absorbs nutrients and fluid from food while forming the feces that is expelled from the body as waste. Colon cancer symptoms and signs are often noticeable with changes in fecal characteristics.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that there were more than 142,000 new cases of colon cancer and rectal cancer in 2010 with more than 51,000 deaths. “Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids),” explains the NCI in their article, “Colon and Rectal Cancer.” These adenocarcinomas arise from polyps.


“Only 5% of all colon cancers occur in families with a history of colon cancer and identifiable genetic defects,” reports eMedicineHealth in their article, “Colon Cancer.” Family history of colon cancer; ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease; breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer; obesity; and tobacco use increase the risk for developing colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Surviving colon cancer largely depends on early detection. Immediately see a doctor if any of the following colon cancer signs and symptoms occur:

• rectal bleeding, even if hemorrhoids are suspected to be the cause;
• iron deficiency anemia, which may produce fatigue and pallor;
• abdominal swelling without weight gain;
• abdominal pain;
• unexplained weight loss;
• unexplained vomiting;
• change in bowel habits, such as frequency or appearance of stool;
• sensation that a bowel movement is incomplete;
• rectal pain.

Narrow or ribbon-like stool is also considered a sign of cancer, but is most often a sign of other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. In the Mayo Clinic article, “Narrow stools: Should I be concerned?” Michael Picco, M.D. advises checking with a doctor if narrow stools persist for more than two weeks. “Consult your doctor immediately if your bowel changes are accompanied by rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain.”

According to eMedicineHealth, you should immediately go to the emergency department if you experience “copious bleeding from your rectum, unexplained severe pain in your belly or pelvis, or vomiting and the inability to keep fluids down.”

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