1st Mens Health

While colon cancer symptoms are somewhat hard to detect in the early stages, it is nevertheless important to know what they are in case you notice something not quite right about your health. If you are over the age of 49, you should learn what the  symptoms of colon cancer are, for your own sake, and for your loved ones.

What are the colon cancer symptoms ? While most are internal, such as benign or pre-cancerous polyps, some are external, such as blood in the stool or from the rectum, changes in regularity of bowel movements, and pain near the stomach. Other type of symptoms can be weakness, decrease in appetite, vomiting, and cramps. Jaundice is one of the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. Of this list the change in bowel habits and bleeding from the rectum are the most common symptoms.

Many times in the early stages of colon cancer ( also called colorectal cancer ) there will be no symptoms. In these cases, if a person is near the age of fifty, screenings for this disease become very important. The age of fifty is mentioned because the major risk factor for cancer is age. Colon cancer is of course not restricted to this age group alone. It is not usual, but children do develop this disease also.

Colon cancer symptoms can also imitate other conditions, such as infections, inflammation, or hemorrhoids. There are rare instances that can lead to being at higher risk, such as having Turcot syndrome, or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Other more common things that can lead to developing symptoms are a high-fat diet, colitis or inflammation of the lining of the colon, Crohn’s disease, and a family history or sibling that has had colon cancer.

While colon cancer symptoms are established for the medical profession, much of the public is still unaware of them. For this reason the Center for Disease Control ( CDC ) has established five new colon cancer screening demonstration programs for educating people age 50 and over. Much of this education will be aimed at the lower income groups, specifically those with little or no health insurance. If you believe or suspect you are experiencing  symptoms of colon cancer, and are age 50 or higher, research what are the symptoms of colon cancer and seek medical advice.

Positive and early detection of colon cancer early symptoms must be investigated quickly and this is essential to successfully getting rid of this disease for every person who happens to become a colon cancer patient.