Colorectal Cancer Info > Colon Cancer SymptomsWhat are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Symptoms of colon cancer can be numerous
and non-specific. They include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in
bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in
stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. Other conditions such
as irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's
disease, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease can have symptoms that mimic
colorectal cancer.
Colon cancer can be present for several years before any symptoms may
develop. Symptoms vary according to where in the large bowel the tumor is
located. The right colon is spacious, and cancers of the right colon can grow to
large sizes before they cause any abdominal symptoms. Typically, right-sided
cancers cause iron deficiency anemia due to the slow loss of blood over a long
period of time. Iron deficiency anemia causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness
of breath. The left colon is narrower than the right colon. Therefore, cancers
of the left colon are more likely to cause partial or complete bowel
obstruction. Cancers causing partial bowel obstruction can cause symptoms of
constipation, narrowed stool, diarrhea, abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating.
Bright red blood in the stool may also indicate a growth near the end of the
left colon or rectum.