Colorectal or colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer and is responsible for the death of numerous people every year. The various signs and symptoms of colon cancer are often similar to that of other health conditions such as infections and irritable bowel syndromes. While understanding the risk factors for colon cancer is important, one should always look for signs and symptoms of this disease as well.

The symptoms associated with colon cancer include the following:

1. Fatigue and weakness
Obesity is considered a major risk factor for colon cancer. Obese people tend to experience fatigue and weakness throughout the day. It is important to note that being tired and fatigued are not the same thing. Most of the time, proper rest can make a tired person feel rejuvenated, whereas if a person feels exhausted even after proper rest, it would be termed fatigue. As cancer cells utilize the body’s energy supply, a person suffering from colon cancer may feel fatigued at all times. Besides, internal blood loss can also make a person feel weak.

2. Sudden weight loss
Apart from being aware of the various risk factors for colon cancer, one should also look for signs such as sudden unexplained weight loss. This is a common symptom of the various forms of cancer. Cancerous cells use a lot of energy, while the immune system gets none to fight the disease. Besides, the affected cells also release elements that change the way food gets converted into energy. All these factors result in sudden weight loss. On the other hand, if the size of the tumor increases, it can cause a blockage in the colon. As a result, the bowel movement may get affected and lead to loss of body weight.

3. Cramps in the abdomen
Different risk factors for colon cancer such as FAP and IBD can cause abdominal pain. Though abdominal pain is also associated with other non-cancerous diseases, if one suffers from severe pain that lasts for a long time, it could be a cause of concern. As this type of cancer affects the bowel movements, one can experience bloating, cramps, and pain, too.

4. Blood in the stool
This is one of the warning signs for colon cancer. While in some cases, a person might notice bright red spots on their stool; in other cases, it might not be visible to the naked eye. Depending on the location of cancer and the stage, one will notice the severity of the symptoms.

It is advised that whenever one experiences any of these symptoms, they should consult a physician immediately. Following certain health tests will confirm if a person is suffering from this type of cancer. Early detection will further help in the treatment more effectively.