WARM2Kids, Inc.

Athlete's Foot and Toenail Fungus

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Living With A Disability

Lung Cancer

Lupus

Lyme Disease

Medications & Supplements

Colon Cancer: The Unnoticed Cancer

Curious about how colon cancer is diagnosed? Although there are usually no symptoms at all, it’s still a good idea to know what to look for.

When there ARE symptoms, they are generally problems with the gastrointestinal tract, such as:

Changes in bowel movements that don’t resolve themselves (such as diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, or narrow stools).
Anemia that is not easily explainable. Menstruating women may show signs of anemia, but anemia in adults who are not menstruating is often a sign of colon cancer.
Pain in the abdomen, cramping, or tenderness.
An intestinal blockage.
Loss of weight for no apparent reason.

Does someone you know have colon cancer? The reason it is so important for adults around the age of 50 to start having regular colonoscopy exams (the exam of the large intestine, colon, and rectum) is because there are usually no symptoms at all. Although you may not know the intimate details of the person you think has colon cancer, keep him or her in mind while looking over this list, and check all that apply:

	Is 50 years of age or older
	Has had ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer
	Family history of polyps or colorectal cancer
	Has inflammatory bowel disease (IBS for short), ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease
	Eats a diet low in fiber, high in meat, and high in fat, and does not exercise
	Has bloody stools
	Experiences abdominal cramping or pain
	Has diarrhea, narrow stools, or constipation (basically any change in bowel movements that doesn't correct itself)
	Has anemia for no apparent reason (unexplained anemia in adults – EXCEPT for menstruating women – is usually followed by a colonoscopy)
	Lost weight for no apparent reason

The information provided on this site should not replace your physician’s advice.