Advice about Colon Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Many readers have sought advice about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. This is a gray area since only a medical professional can determine what's innocuous and what may be cancer. So, when asked for advice about the signs and symptoms of colon cancer, I provide additional information about the particular problems readers are experiencing and help them explore their options.
There's Bright Red Blood in My Stool
I am 17 years old, relatively active, and more often than not I am strictly eating vegetables. Starting this week, I noticed bright red blood in my stool. Not a whole lot, but just in one part of the poop. The minute I noticed it, I became very concerned that it could be colon cancer. But, I realize that this is one possibility among some others.
I am 17 years old, relatively active, and more often than not I am strictly eating vegetables. Starting this week, I noticed bright red blood in my stool. Not a whole lot, but just in one part of the poop. The minute I noticed it, I became very concerned that it could be colon cancer. But, I realize that this is one possibility among some others.
How Narrow is "Narrow Stool"?
I'm 19 years old and fairly active. I've noticed that for more than a week, on and off, I've had narrow stool. I've read that narrow stool can be a symptom of colon cancer. Can you give me advice about how narrow "narrow" stool is?
I'm 19 years old and fairly active. I've noticed that for more than a week, on and off, I've had narrow stool. I've read that narrow stool can be a symptom of colon cancer. Can you give me advice about how narrow "narrow" stool is?
I'm Only 19. Could I Have Colon Cancer as a Teenager?
I've never heard of a teenager getting colon cancer. Is it possible? And if so, are there any tests other than a colonoscopy that can diagnose colon cancer?
I've never heard of a teenager getting colon cancer. Is it possible? And if so, are there any tests other than a colonoscopy that can diagnose colon cancer?
I've Been Constipated. Could I Have Colon Cancer?
I'm usually able to have a bowel movement at least two times per week. For the past three weeks, I haven't been able to have a bowel movement on my own. I've been taking a laxative once a week. Can this be a sign of colon cancer?
I'm usually able to have a bowel movement at least two times per week. For the past three weeks, I haven't been able to have a bowel movement on my own. I've been taking a laxative once a week. Can this be a sign of colon cancer?
I Live in Intense Fear that I Have Colon Cancer
I haven't had a "normal" bowel movement in about 1 1/2. I live in intense fear that this is colon cancer and has spread to my liver. Do you have advice about what I should do next?
I haven't had a "normal" bowel movement in about 1 1/2. I live in intense fear that this is colon cancer and has spread to my liver. Do you have advice about what I should do next?
Nausea and Vomiting as Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Nausea and vomiting can be caused by many things, such as motion sickness or an unpleasant smell. However, nausea and vomiting can also be symptoms of something serious, such as colon cancer.
Nausea and vomiting can be caused by many things, such as motion sickness or an unpleasant smell. However, nausea and vomiting can also be symptoms of something serious, such as colon cancer.
Thin Stool as a Sign of Colon Cancer
Once stool is no longer in its slushy phase and begins to take shape, how it looks when it leaves your body can provide clues to what's going on inside. For example, thin stool can sometimes indicate that your stool had to squeeze by some sort of obstacle on its way out. In the case of colon or rectal cancer, that obstacle would be a tumor in the latter part of the colon or the rectum.
Once stool is no longer in its slushy phase and begins to take shape, how it looks when it leaves your body can provide clues to what's going on inside. For example, thin stool can sometimes indicate that your stool had to squeeze by some sort of obstacle on its way out. In the case of colon or rectal cancer, that obstacle would be a tumor in the latter part of the colon or the rectum.
Stomach Cramps as a Symptom of Colon Cancer
When we think we know what's causing our stomach cramps, we tend to sit tight and wait for them to pass. That often works, but it's important to realize that stomach cramps can also be a symptom of colon cancer.
When we think we know what's causing our stomach cramps, we tend to sit tight and wait for them to pass. That often works, but it's important to realize that stomach cramps can also be a symptom of colon cancer.
Hematochezia as a Symptom of Colon Cancer
Hematochezia (the passage of bright red, bloody stools) usually indicates the large intestine is bleeding somewhere. The most common causes of hematochezia are diverticulitis and hemorrhoids. However, hematochezia can also be a symptom of colon cancer.
Hematochezia (the passage of bright red, bloody stools) usually indicates the large intestine is bleeding somewhere. The most common causes of hematochezia are diverticulitis and hemorrhoids. However, hematochezia can also be a symptom of colon cancer.
Gas and Bloating as Symptoms of Colon Cancer
A pattern of gas and bloating may be an indication that a tumor is growing in the colon and occasionally causing a blockage. While the bowel is blocked and air is trapped, bloating occurs. When the blockage resolves itself, all that back-logged air makes a swift and unapologetic exit in the form of flatulence.
A pattern of gas and bloating may be an indication that a tumor is growing in the colon and occasionally causing a blockage. While the bowel is blocked and air is trapped, bloating occurs. When the blockage resolves itself, all that back-logged air makes a swift and unapologetic exit in the form of flatulence.
Unexplained Weight Loss as a Sign of Colon Cancer
Many of us wouldn't want to question unexplained weight loss. We'd just be happy to be losing weight! But unfortunately, effortless weight loss is generally a sign that something is wrong. In the case of colon cancer, unexplained weight loss can be a sign that a tumor is present.
Many of us wouldn't want to question unexplained weight loss. We'd just be happy to be losing weight! But unfortunately, effortless weight loss is generally a sign that something is wrong. In the case of colon cancer, unexplained weight loss can be a sign that a tumor is present.