Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
It’s important to know the signs of colon cancer early. One key symptom is blood in stool. This happens when tumors bleed into the digestive system. Learn 7 signs of colon cancer including blood in stool, diarrhea, and other early signs. Learn 7 signs of colon cancer blood in stool, diarrhea, and other early signs.
The Mayo Clinic says colon cancer mostly hits older people. But it can happen to anyone. Watching for symptoms like changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss can help catch it early.
Liv Hospital has top experts for colon cancer care. They focus on patients to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Knowing the basics of colon cancer is key to spotting its signs early. Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, impacts the large intestine. It’s a major health concern.
Colon cancer starts in the colon or rectum. The Mayo Clinic says it often begins as small, noncancerous clumps called polyps. These can turn into cancer if not removed.
Many factors raise the risk of colon cancer. These include older age and being of African descent. Also, a family history of colon cancer or polyps matters. Certain genetic syndromes add to the risk. In the United States, colon cancer is common, hitting some groups harder.
Finding colon cancer early is vital for treatment success. Screening tests can spot polyps and cancer early. This boosts survival chances. Knowing the risks helps people take action for early detection.
Blood in stool is a warning sign that could mean colon cancer. It’s important to see a doctor right away. Blood can look bright red or dark, like tar. Knowing what this means can help find and treat cancer early.
Bleeding happens when tumors in the colon or rectum bleed. This is because the tumor grows and can cause ulcers. Essentia Health says it’s key to get checked if you see blood in your stool.
Tumors can bleed sometimes or all the time. This can make blood look different in your stool. It might mix with your stool or show up on toilet paper.
The color of blood in stool can tell us a lot. Bright red blood usually means it’s from the lower colon or rectum. Darker or black blood might mean it’s from higher up.
| Blood Color | Possible Meaning |
| Bright Red | Bleeding from lower colon or rectum |
| Dark Red or Maroon | Bleeding from upper colon or small intestine |
| Black, Tarry | Bleeding from upper digestive tract |
People with blood in stool worry if it’s always there or if it comes and goes. The answer depends on the tumor’s size and location. Ulcers also play a role.
Any bleeding needs a doctor’s check-up. Ignoring it can lead to late diagnosis and poor outcomes.
Seeing a doctor quickly is important for colon cancer and blood in stool. Early treatment can greatly improve chances of recovery.
Changes in bowel movements, like diarrhea and constipation, might show colon cancer. The Mayo Clinic says these changes could mean colon cancer. It’s important to notice these signs and get medical help fast.
Diarrhea and constipation switching back and forth is a big sign. This irregular bowel pattern can be a warning sign that something is wrong. Doctors say seeing blood in stool with these changes means you should see a doctor right away.
Feeling like you didn’t fully empty your bowels is another symptom. This can make you go more often or try harder to pass stools. If this keeps happening, you should talk to a doctor.
Changes in how often you go and how urgent it is can also be a sign. Increased urgency or frequency might mean a tumor is there. If your bowel habits change suddenly, get medical help.
As cancer research groups say,
“Early detection of colon cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes.”
So, knowing about changes in bowel habits and telling your doctor is very important. It could save your life.
Feeling persistent discomfort and bloating in your belly might mean something serious, like colon cancer. These signs can show up in different ways. They might also come with other scary symptoms.
A bloated belly from colon cancer happens when the tumor messes with digestion. Essentia Health says feeling full or bloated could be a sign of colon cancer. You should tell your doctor if you notice this.
The bloating pattern can change. It might stay the same or get worse over time.
Seeing a lot of bloating and blood in your stool is very worrying. Blood in stool could mean the tumor is bleeding. This can cause anemia or other serious problems. If you see both, see a doctor right away.
Colon cancer can mess up digestion, causing gas and bloating. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and changes in how you go to the bathroom. Knowing these signs and their link to colon cancer is key for early treatment.
It’s important to know the signs of colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about any lasting or severe symptoms. Catching it early can greatly improve your chances of beating colon cancer.
A sudden and unexplained weight loss is a warning sign. It could mean you have colon cancer. Losing weight without reason is a serious health concern.
The Mayo Clinic says unexplained weight loss might mean you have colon cancer. This is because cancer can mess with how your body uses nutrients. It can also make it hard to digest food, leading to weight loss.
Cancer can make your body burn more calories. It can also make you lose your appetite. This makes it hard for your body to get the nutrients it needs.
These changes can cause a lot of weight loss. This is common in people with advanced colon cancer. Finding out why you’re losing weight is key to treating it.
Diarrhea is another sign that might mean you have colon cancer. Cancer in the colon can change how you go to the bathroom. This can lead to not getting enough nutrients, causing weight loss.
Diarrhea and weight loss are important signs. Seeing a doctor can help figure out why you’re losing weight.
Unexplained weight loss can mean colon cancer, but it can also mean other things. Like thyroid problems, diabetes, or other gut issues. It’s important to get checked out by a doctor.
Doctors look at your medical history and symptoms to find out why you’re losing weight. Getting diagnosed early can really help, even with colon cancer.
Rectal bleeding is a symptom that needs attention, often linked to colon cancer. Knowing about rectal bleeding and its connection to colon cancer helps in getting early treatment.
Rectal bleeding and blood in stool are not the same. Rectal bleeding means blood coming out of the anus, often with pain. Blood in stool can be hidden or seen, mixed with stool or separate.
Key differences between rectal bleeding and blood in stool:
| Characteristics | Rectal Bleeding | Blood in Stool |
| Visibility | Often visible | Can be visible or occult |
| Association with Pain | Often accompanied by pain or discomfort | May or may not be associated with pain |
| Relation to Bowel Movement | Typically occurs during or after bowel movement | Can be mixed with stool or appear separately |
Bleeding from bowel cancer varies based on the tumor’s location and size. Essentia Health notes that rectal bleeding is a key sign of colon cancer, if it keeps happening.
The signs of bleeding from bowel cancer include:
Wiping a lot after bowel movements can be a sign of rectal bleeding. This could be due to blood or mucus, causing discomfort or feeling like you’re not done.
If you keep getting rectal bleeding or wiping a lot, see a doctor. They can check and figure out what’s going on.
Colon cancer can cause a lot of digestive discomfort, including nausea. These symptoms can really affect how well someone can live with colon cancer.
Yes, colon cancer can make you feel nauseous. The Mayo Clinic says nausea and vomiting can happen, mainly if the cancer has spread. The reasons for nausea in colon cancer are complex, involving the tumor’s effect on digestion and possibly triggering a body-wide response.
Nausea from colon cancer can come from different things, like:
Nausea and blood in stool together are serious signs that need quick medical help. Blood in stool is a clear sign of colon cancer. When nausea is added, it might mean the cancer is more advanced or is really messing with bowel function.
Handling these symptoms needs a detailed plan. This includes figuring out the cause and how far the disease has spread. It also means finding ways to make symptoms better.
Dealing with nausea and other digestive issues in colon cancer requires a few steps. This includes:
It’s very important for patients to team up with their healthcare team. Together, they can create a plan that fits the patient’s needs and improves their life quality.
It’s important to know how abdominal pain is linked to colon cancer for early detection. This pain can take many forms and is often seen in colon cancer, among other issues.
Abdominal pain from colon cancer can feel different. It might stay the same or change, and you might also feel bloated or have changes in bowel habits.
Essentia Health says that pain in the abdomen could mean colon cancer. This pain usually happens when the tumor blocks the bowel or presses on nearby areas.
Yes, colon cancer can lead to stomach pain. This pain usually feels like it’s coming from the lower abdomen. It happens because the tumor grows and can block or press on other areas.
It’s key to tell colon cancer pain from other causes. Other issues like irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, or other stomach problems can also cause pain.
| Symptom | Colon Cancer | Other Causes |
| Abdominal Pain Location | Typically lower abdomen | Can vary depending on the cause |
| Nature of Pain | Persistent or crampy | Varies (crampy, sharp, etc.) |
| Associated Symptoms | Bloating, bowel changes | Depends on the cause (fever, nausea, etc.) |
Knowing these differences helps find the real cause of abdominal pain. It also guides the right medical check-up.
Secondary symptoms like fatigue and skin changes are important signs of colon cancer. These symptoms come from how the body reacts to the cancer. They can really affect a person’s life quality.
Anemia is a big problem for colon cancer patients, mainly because of blood loss from the tumor. The Mayo Clinic says it can cause fatigue and weakness. This is because the body doesn’t get enough oxygen.
Anemia makes people feel very tired or weak. Even simple tasks can be hard. This is because the body doesn’t make enough red blood cells or hemoglobin.
Colon cancer can also show up in the skin. Changes like pallor or jaundice can happen. These are due to anemia or liver problems. Some people might also get itchy or have other skin issues.
These skin symptoms can be very upsetting. Doctors should help to make patients more comfortable.
Pallor, or pale skin, is a clear sign of anemia, often linked to colon cancer. It happens when there’s not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin.
“Anemia caused by colon cancer can lead to noticeable changes in skin color, among other symptoms.”
Other signs include dark circles under the eyes, brittle nails, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are linked to anemia and how the body reacts to cancer.
It’s key to understand these secondary symptoms for better care. By noticing and treating fatigue, weakness, and skin changes, doctors can help more. This makes a big difference for people with colon cancer.
Colon cancer symptoms can be hard to spot, but some signs need quick medical help. Knowing these warning signs is key for early treatment.
Some symptoms are urgent and need fast medical care. These include:
If you see any of these, get medical help right away.
The American Cancer Society says adults with average risk should start screening at 45. Those at higher risk might need to start earlier.
| Risk Category | Recommended Screening Age |
| Average Risk | 45 years |
| Higher Risk | Before 45 years (consult a doctor) |
Knowing your risk and following screening advice can help catch cancer early.
Before your doctor’s visit, do the following:
Knowing the warning signs of colon cancer is key to catching it early. Symptoms like blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal discomfort are important to watch for. These signs can help you take steps towards better health.
Being vigilant about your health and acting fast on unusual symptoms is important. This way, you can take charge of your health and make smart choices about your care. Being proactive can lead to better results if you’re diagnosed with colon cancer.
Symptoms include blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal discomfort. You might also feel bloated, lose weight without trying, or have rectal bleeding and nausea. These signs need medical attention if they don’t go away or get worse.
Yes, colon cancer can make you feel bloated. This is often seen with other symptoms like blood in stool or stomach pain. The bloating might come from the tumor blocking the bowel or gas buildup.
Yes, colon cancer can make you feel nauseous. This usually happens with other digestive problems. The nausea might be because of the tumor affecting your bowel habits or your body’s reaction to the cancer.
Seeing blood in your stool is a big warning sign of colon cancer. It could mean there’s a tumor bleeding into your bowel. The color and mix of the blood with stool can give clues.
Colon cancer can lead to weight loss in several ways. It might change your bowel habits, make you less hungry, or affect your metabolism. Losing weight without trying is a sign that needs a doctor’s check-up.
Some skin changes can be linked to colon cancer, like getting paler due to anemia. Other physical signs can also appear, based on how the cancer grows and affects your body.
Screening advice depends on your age and risk factors. Most adults should start screening at 45. The type and how often you need it will depend on your risk and past results.
To get ready for your doctor’s visit, know your risk factors and any symptoms you have. Follow any instructions you get, like diet changes or bowel prep for a colonoscopy.
Yes, colon cancer can cause stomach and abdominal pain. The pain’s intensity and type can vary. It often depends on where the tumor is and how it affects nearby tissues.
Diarrhea and weight loss can be signs of colon cancer. Changes in bowel habits and metabolism from the cancer can cause these symptoms. If you have persistent or severe diarrhea and unexplained weight loss, see a doctor.
Bleeding from colon cancer can come and go. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any bleeding, even if it seems to stop on its own.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Colorectal cancer statistics.
Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/index.htm