By: Prof. Dr. Seyed Saeid Zamanieh Shahri, MD  and  Prof. Dr. Sonia Sayyedalhosseini, MD

Colon Cancer:

Colon cancer symptoms may be very slight in the early stages of the disease or may not even have any symptoms. Of course, there is also a possibility that this disease will show some early warning signs. Colon cancer symptoms may not appear until the disease enters stage II.

Therefore, regular screening tests for colon or colorectal cancer, especially through colonoscopy, are offered by specialists to people who are at risk of developing that disease. Talking to doctor about when to start regular colon cancer screening is the best way.

People over the age of 50, people under the age of 50 who are at risk of developing this cancer, and people who have a family history of this disease, should take colon cancer screening tests seriously.

Note that many of the symptoms of colon cancer can have a cause other than cancer, such as infection, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. However, if you see any symptoms, you should see a doctor. Several tests may be done to diagnose colon cancer. These tests may include colonoscopy or other endoscopic procedures, stool or other laboratory tests, MRI, CT scan, or PET/CT scan. These imaging or laboratory tests may be done to determine the size of tumors and to monitor the response status to treatment. In any case, knowing and recognizing the symptoms of colorectal cancer can be considered a positive step towards the timely diagnosis of this disease.

Early warning signs of colon cancer:

Most cancers in the colon or rectum arise from polyps, so screening to find or remove them can prevent from developing into cancer. Early warning signs of colon cancer can include things like sudden or stringy weight loss and stool narrowing.

Other early warning signs of colon cancer include:

• Bright or dark red rectal bleeding

• Stringy or narrow stools

• Tenesmus, the feeling of an urgent need to empty the bowels, when nothing comes out.

• Iron deficiency anemia

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Sudden and severe weight loss without intention or plan

Although these symptoms may be caused by other diseases such as hemorrhoids or inflammatory bowel diseases, you should definitely consult your doctor about them. Blood in the stool, even if seen occasionally, should not be ignored.

Local symptoms of colon cancer:

Local symptoms include those that only affect the colon or rectum and do not spread to distant organs. Common local symptoms include: constipation, diarrhea, intermittent diarrhea and constipation or other changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal bloating or cramping and discomfort in the area, feeling like the bowels are not emptying completely, thinner stools than usual and…

If you experience these possible symptoms for a long time, it is important to consult a specialist in this field.

Systemic symptoms of colon cancer: Systemic symptoms of colon cancer may extend beyond the digestive tract and affect the entire body. Systemic symptoms of colon cancer include:

Loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, anemia, weakness, and feeling tired.

to be continued