Blood can make your stool look either bright red or darker than normal. Bleeding from high up in your digestive tract can make your stool look black. If you are not sure whether you see blood or not, be safe and contact your doctor anyway. Blood in your stool can also cause an unpleasant odor. If you notice a drastic change in the smell of your stool, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Pay attention to patterns you notice with your bowel movements. If things seem to feel different or you notice anything that worries you, whether it’s a change in how often you go to the bathroom or a difference in your stool consistency, make an appointment with your doctor. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate that you have colon cancer. You might notice similar symptoms with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and a host of other medical conditions.
You might also experience pelvic pain. Again, these symptoms are shared by many other illnesses, so having them doesn’t necessarily indicate you have colon cancer. Still, it’s a good idea to get them checked out.
It’s normal for your weight to fluctuate a little from time to time. However, if you lose 10 pounds (4. 5 kg) or more over the course of 6 months or less for no obvious reason, make an appointment with your doctor. [7] X Research source
Watch for tiredness or fatigue that doesn’t get better when you rest. [9] X Research source
Other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of colon cancer include gastro-intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids.
Being African American. African Americans are at greater risk than other races for getting colon cancer. Having a personal history of colon cancer or polyps. Having an inherited syndrome that can lead to colon cancer, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome). [13] X Expert Source Joshua Ellenhorn, MDBoard Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist Expert Interview. 28 April 2020. Leading a sedentary lifestyle. Getting more exercise can help reduce your risk. Eating a low-fiber, high fat diet. Changing your diet to include more fruits and vegetables and less fat and meat can help reduce your risk. Having diabetes or obesity. Smoking and drinking alcohol.
A fecal occult blood test (FOBT), to check for hidden blood in the stools. A stool DNA test to check for genetic cancer markers in your stool. This test can detect precancerous growths in your colon, which increases your chances of preventing the cancer or catching it early. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source A sigmoidoscopy, in which a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope is used to check for polyps and growths in the rectum and lower colon. A colonoscopy, in which a colonoscope is used to examine the entire colon for cancerous or precancerous growths, which are removed and biopsied if found. [17] X Expert Source Joshua Ellenhorn, MDBoard Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist Expert Interview. 28 April 2020. A virtual colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema (DCBE), which are different types of x-rays that show polyps and growths on the colon.
The right treatment(s) for you will depend on your overall health and how advanced or widespread the cancer is. For example, if you have a small, early stage colon cancer, your doctor may be able to remove it surgically during a colonoscopy. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source For more advanced colon cancer, you might need additional treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical removal of part of your colon. If you’re struggling emotionally, your doctor can recommend therapists or support groups that specialize in helping cancer patients and their families. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your loved ones for support, too.
