Colon cancer is a type of cancer that is usually detected in the large intestine of the human body. The disease occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the colon and the rectum. The disease occurs due to various reasons such as smoking, Crohn’s disease, obesity, and genetics. These are some of the primary causes of the condition.
Identifying the early warning symptoms of colon cancer is the key to keeping the disease under control and preventing its spread. Here is a list of symptoms that should be detected during the early stages:

1. Unusual bleeding from the rectum
This early warning symptom of colon cancer pertains to unusual bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool. Additionally, the patient may also experience abdominal discomfort, gas or pain that gets worse over time.

2. Diarrhea or constipation
The initial symptoms of colon cancer also include changes in bowel habits that persist for a long time. This could include conditions such as diarrhea that lasts for more than three days or constipation that lasts for more than two weeks.

3. Alterations in the shape or color of the stool
The appearance of the stool is a major indicator of problems occurring in the digestive tract. If the stool appears narrow or thin, it can be a possible signal of changes in the rectum. Getting in touch with a medical practitioner at this stage can aid in the accurate evaluation of the condition. Contacting a healthcare professional is also important when the color of the stool becomes dark or the presence of blood is noticed.

4. Extreme fatigue or weight loss
This is yet another early warning symptom of colon cancer experienced by a person. It also includes a sudden feeling of weakness or severe weight loss. Severe rectal bleeding can lead to conditions like anemia that could further result in tiredness, pale skin, and dizziness. The occurrence of these symptoms requires a visit to a healthcare provider which could help to diagnose the disease in its early stage.

5. Frequent cramps and bloating
Experiencing cramps or bloating is common. People could experience these issues as a result of an upset stomach, gas, or poor eating habits. However, when these symptoms become frequent it requires medical attention.

6. Not feeling hungry
An unexplained loss of feeling appetite could be an indicator of early colon cancer in some patients. Consulting a medical professional is important if the symptom persists for a long time.

Along with the above-mentioned symptoms, there are some rare symptoms that could also occur. These could include fever, breathlessness, neurological problems, and bone pain. Identifying the early warning symptoms of colon cancer will play a dominant role in better diagnosis of the disease and prevent its advancement. Furthermore, early detection also aids in increasing the chances of survival and getting completely cured of the disease.