The 5 Silent Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also termed colorectal cancer, stands tall in third place in the primary causes of death in the US, according to Cancer.org. 

Being expected to cause up to 52,000 deaths this year as well, it’s the type of cancer that silently grows into a malicious state, and often isn’t visible until its later, deadlier stages.

However, despite how near impossible it is to detect colon cancer without getting a regular colorectal cancer screening, there are always a set of silent symptoms that can help identify potential threats. 

We’re here to discuss exactly that so if you bear any of these symptoms, you’ll know that you need a quick visit to the doctor. 

1. How Colon Cancer Starts

Before going into the silent symptoms of colon cancer, it’s important to understand how it all works, and how cancer originates in the human body. As the name suggests, colon cancer occurs in the large intestine, also called the colon. 

Colon Cancer initially begins as a cluster of cells that start to grow more and more along the intestine lining, transiting from a harmless clump of cells to causing blockages, and eventually, turning into cancer by mutation.

That’s why screening for colon cancer is important, as it helps to identify anything unusual happening in your body, especially the large intestine. 

Whether you’re showing symptoms or not, it’s important to get a colonoscopy, especially after the age of 50, as experts at HealthLine suggest.

2. Hidden Signs of Colon Cancer

Now, coming to the focal point of this discussion. We’ve mentioned before that colorectal cancer often creeps up without showing any obvious symptoms, and the symptoms it does show are the ones shown in the late stages of colon cancer, where chances of survival are minimal.

However, subtle symptoms and a change in routine often indicate that you need to get a screening test, which helps identify colorectal cancer. 

5 of the most common early signs of colon cancer include the following :

• Sudden weight loss or loss in appetite
• Change in bowel routine
• Blood in stool
• Cramps in the abdomen and stomach area
• Feeling constantly fatigued

If you’re currently experiencing at least 2-3 of these symptoms, getting a screening test is the smartest thing to do. 

3. Common Screening Tests That Identify 

If you think that you’re showing these symptoms of colon cancer, the following cancer screening tests will help identify colon cancer. 

Your doctor may also recommend these tests if he/she thinks you’re showing symptoms of cancer. 

• Colonoscopy
• Blood Tests
• Imaging Tests and Scans
• Stool Test

Bottom Line

Colon cancer takes the lives of many every year. More than 50,000 people succumb to this type of cancer every day, which is why it’s important to know about the hidden details, the small health changes our bodies undergo, and the subtle hints that they give us to take action. 

Using the above information on hidden symptoms, you can assess yourself better for colon cancer, and take suitable action and screening tests to make sure you’re still in the safe zone.