What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells lining the large intestine (colon); some researchers include the rectum and prefer the term colorectal cancer. There are over 101,000 new cases of colon cancer every year in the U.S. Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for both men and women.
There are 4 main stages of colon cancer, referred to as stages 1-4. Stage 4 colon cancer is metastatic colon cancer that has spread away to other parts of the body such as the liver, bones, or lungs.
Other conditions that can cause the same signs and symptoms as colon cancer include bleeding in the stool, ulcerative colitis (UC), and Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What are the early warning signs of colon cancer?
Unlike some diseases, colon cancer typically dies not produce symptoms or signs in its early stages. This is why following screening recommendations is critical. The earlier a colon cancer is detected, the greater the likelihood of successful treatment.
Colon cancer may begin to produce symptoms and signs as it grows and expands. However, there is no specific sign or symptom that definitely indicates colon cancer is present. When signs and symptoms do occur, the following are some of the most typical:
- Persistent change in bowel habits
- Narrow or pencil-thin stools
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in the stool, rectal bleeding (blood may appear as bright red blood or dark stools)
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, such as cramps or bloating
- Feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue, tiredness, or weakness
SLIDESHOW
Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Signs, Screening, Stages See SlideshowWhat are the stages of colon cancer?
Each stage of colon cancer refers to the extent of spread of the cancer at the time that it is identified. There are 4 main stages of colon cancer, referred to as stages 1-4:
- Stage 1 colon cancer has spread from the lining of the large intestine into the muscular wall of the large intestine.
- Stage 2 colon cancer has spread through the wall of the intestine to the outermost layer and may grow into adjacent organs.
- Stage 3 colon cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the area or to other organs in the area.
- Stage 4 colon cancer is metastatic colon cancer. It has spread away from the colon to other parts of the body such as the liver, bones, or lungs.
The term Stage 0 is sometimes used for a very early cancer that only affects the lining of the intestine. This has been also referred to as carcinoma in situ.
Health News
- Scans Show Brain Changes in People With Long COVID
- Got GERD? Eat This Way to Help Avoid Symptoms
- 5 Women Contracted Syphilis Affecting the Eyes From the Same Asymptomatic Man
- Long COVID Now Common in U.S. Nursing Homes
- Breathing in Coal-Based Pollution Could Be Especially Deadly: Study
More Health News »
What other conditions have the same symptoms as colon cancer?
There are other conditions that can cause the same signs and symptoms as colon cancer. Some of these conditions are very common.
- Bleeding in the stool can be caused by inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease.
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) as well as ulcers and diverticulitis.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may cause changes in bowel habits including diarrhea and constipation along with bloating and abdominal discomfort.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to discuss them with your doctor to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
<https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colon-treatment-pdq>
Top Early Warning Signs and Stages of Colon Cancer Related Articles
Cancer 101 Slideshow
Learn the basics about cancer including types, causes, how it spreads, symptoms and signs, stages and treatment options. Read about the common type of cancers.
Top Cancer-Fighting Foods
Experts have praised certain foods for their ability to reduce cancer risks. Learn which foods and eating strategies may help reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Cancer Quiz
Take this quiz to learn the causes of cancer. Get the facts about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for the world's most common cancers.
Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)
Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer) is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers, develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer.
Colon Cancer: How Your Food and Diet Can Affect Colorectal Cancer Health
Diet, including nutrient, antioxidant, and vitamin intake, affects colon cancer risk. Certain dietary factors either decrease or increase the risk of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and other diseases. Dietary factors may either inhibit or stimulate the development of cancer cells. Have a nutrition plan that decreases the risk.Colon Cancer Illustrations
Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer. See a picture of Colon Cancer and learn more about the health topic.
Colon and Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is preventable by removing precancerous colon polyps, and it is curable if early cancer is surgically removed before cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Therefore, if screening and surveillance programs were practiced universally, there would be a major reduction in the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Quiz
What is colorectal (colon) cancer and who gets it? Take this quiz to find out how this disease may be prevented.
Colon Cancer Slideshow
Colorectal cancer (colon cancer) is the cause of many cancer deaths. Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, screening process, stages, and treatment related to colorectal cancer.
Does a Right Hemicolectomy Remove the Appendix?
A hemicolectomy is done if the part of the colon that has been infected, damaged or riddled with colon cancer beyond repair. In case of severe appendicitis or in cancer of the appendix, the surgeon will also cut the appendix along with the right colon and connect what's left of your colon to your small intestine.
Endoscopy vs. Colonoscopy
Both endoscopy and colonoscopy are nonsurgical procedures that involve use of a flexible tube with a light and camera to examine parts of the digestive tract. A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy.
How Long Before a Colonoscopy Should I Stop Drinking Water?
A colonoscopy is a test to look at the inside of the colon. Usually, doctors recommend patients undergoing a colonoscopy to stop drinking clear liquid or water at least three to four hours before the procedure. However, patients with diabetes and who are dehydrated may take a few sips of water after consulting their doctor.
Is A Colon Resection A Major Surgery?
Colon resection (colectomy) is the surgical removal of part or the entire colon. Colectomy is a major surgery and may take up to four hours for completion. Colectomy is performed under general anesthesia and may require hospitalization for up to a week or more.
What Causes a Person to Have a Colostomy Bag?
A colostomy bag is a small bag that collects stool after someone has had colostomy surgery. Learn the signs of problems that may lead to a colostomy, what causes them, how doctors order them, and what you can do to treat them.
What Is the Difference Between EMR and ESD?
The main endoscopic techniques that are available for the removal of colon (part of the large intestine) polyps or cancer include endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and polypectomy. Resection removes a part of an organ or a structure. Dissection cuts apart or separates tissue for further study or diagnosis.
What Should I Do If My Poop Is Green?
Learn why your poop is green and what you can do to treat it. Black, bright red, and pencil-thin stools are red flags for colon cancer. Other signs and symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation.
Where Is Colon Cancer Pain Felt?
Colon cancer is cancer of the last part of the large intestine. Colon cancer pain is generally felt as vague abdominal pain or cramps.