Cancer originating in the large intestine or the rectum is called rectal or colon cancer, respectively. The types of cancers that commonly grow in the large intestine are adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, sarcomas, and different tumors. This type of cancer usually affects older individuals and manifests in the form of polyps on the inner linings of the colon or rectum, which can grow and spread further if left untreated. Treatments may include Opdivo cancer medication, Yervoy, and other treatments, but as with any medication, be sure to look into Opdivo and Yervoy side effects and ensure they are right for you. Here are some common symptoms of colon cancer:

Bowel habits
If a polyp develops along the lining of the colon or the rectum, an individual may experience sudden changes in bowel movements. This may result in conditions like diarrhea, constipation, or sudden narrowing of stool. These changes typically last for a few days. Sudden and erratic changes in the consistency of stools is a big red flag and indicates that something isn’t quite right with the gut. It is considered an early sign of colon cancer and requires further diagnosis.

Bleeding
If a person experiences bleeding from the rectum and notices bright red blood in the stool, it could be a sign of colon cancer. In some cases, the bleeding might be minimal and may go unnoticed, while it is very apparent due to its bright red color in other cases. This common symptom of colon cancer is sometimes associated with hemorrhoids, because of which colon cancer may go undiagnosed for longer.

Fatigue
If a person experiences extreme fatigue and lack of energy, along with one or more of the other symptoms of colon cancer, they must visit a doctor at the earliest to determine the cause. Since tiredness is a general symptom of several health conditions or may simply indicate overworking, it suffers the risk of going unnoticed or being brushed aside. When the feeling of tiredness doesn’t go away even after plenty of rest, it can be chalked in as fatigue, which is a common early symptom of colon cancer.

Weight loss
If a person loses 10 pounds or more in a span of just 6 months without any external circumstances inducing it, it is termed as unintentional weight loss. The cancerous cells in the colon end up using a lot of the body’s energy, and the immune system also uses up energy in trying to prevent the spread of the disease. Cancer may also cause blockages in the colon, which may lead to unexplained weight loss.

Abdominal cramps
Abdominal cramps, one of the common symptoms of colon cancer, are sudden feelings of pain or discomfort in the stomach caused by changing bowel habits when a person has colon cancer. Such cramps may resemble the uncomfortable feeling that comes with indigestion or gas. Abdominal cramps are also observed in the case of hemorrhoids or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is why it can take a lot of time to accurately determine whether someone has colon cancer based on just one or two symptoms.