Colon Cancer Symptoms

Question: Does a colon polyp cause the same symptoms as colon cancer? I am 20 years old and I feel something is wrong with my colon and I have all the symptoms that arise from colon cancer. I read that colonoscopys are given to people over 50 because people my age arent at risk or it's rare to have colon cancer. And I was just wondering what other things are there that have the same symptoms as colon cancer?

Answer: Younger populations do not have a high risk for colorectal cancer (although it does occur, rarely). Certain things which may cause colonic symptoms in younger people are ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, anal fissure, and lactose intolerance. Keeping a log of your symptoms and seeing a GP will help sort out what the cause is.

Question: what are some symptoms of colon cancer? i think my husband might have colon cancer. he complains that he feels like he has go to the bathroom but doesnt need to, throws up every night, tired/weak, stomach hurts alot and little blood in toilet. could that be what it is or something else?

Answer: 1. You're pooping more or less often. The presence of a tumor in your bowel throws things off. As your body tries to adjust to its presence, demands, and byproducts, you may experience changes in your bathroom habits. For example, let's say a tumor is slowly growing in your colon, inhibiting the flow of solid waste. You may or may not notice that you're defecating less often. But if the tumor gets large enough, it may become very difficult for your poop to get by it and you'll end up constipated. Sound like a crap shoot? (No pun intended.) The tumor may obstruct your bowel. You may notice a difference. You may get constipated. That's why, in general, it's best to get regular screenings rather than rely on symptoms to alert you to the presence of the cancer. 2. Your stool is thinner than usual. Imagine a three-lane tunnel full of cars, all driving through with a nice, steady flow. Now imagine that two big rigs decide to block the left lanes in tandem... then they slow to a stop. Both of them. Blocking both left lanes. What do the cars do? They start filing to the right so they can get around the obstruction. The same sort of thing happens in the bowel. Everything is flowing fine and dandy until a tumor starts to grow, causing an obstruction. As the obstruction gets bigger, the space around it gets smaller. So, as you might expect, tumors toward the "tunnel exit" tend to cause this effect of narrowed stool. 3. You have stomach cramping or bloating. Bloating may be the result of a bowel obstruction. Cramping may be caused by constipation or diarrhea. In more advanced stages of colorectal cancer, severe abdominal cramping may be caused by the tumor perforating (poking through) the bowel wall. 4. There's bright red blood in or on your poop. Tumors tend to bleed. Not a whole lot and not constantly, but they do bleed. As a result, some of that blood may be found in your stool. If the tumor is in the right colon, the blood will most likely be dried and virtually invisible by the time the poop leaves the body. However, if the tumor is in the rectum or toward the end of the left colon, it may still be fresh and therefore, bright red. 5. You've experienced unexplained weight loss. Many of us wouldn't want to question unexplained weight loss. We'd just be happy to be losing weight! But, even though the prospect of losing weight without even trying may seem a blessing, it really is something to question. It's the old "if it sounds too good to be true..." idea. See more at http://coloncancer.about.com/cs/thebasics/a/Top10CCSymptoms.htm

Question: Colon Cancer Symptoms? I have a friend who has some possible symptoms of colon cancer. He is 22, and says when he goes to the bathroom, he bleeds a lot from his anus. He went to the doctor and they said it looked to be an internal hemorrhoid. His symptoms come and go, so my question is, if it is colon cancer, would the symptoms constantly be present? or do they come and go at different times? Also, he said it gets worse when he eats spicy foods, and drinks alcohol.

Answer: Colon Cancer Symptoms Cancer of the colon and rectum can exhibit itself in several ways. If you have any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help. You may notice bleeding from your rectum or blood mixed with your stool. People commonly attribute all rectal bleeding to hemorrhoids, thus preventing early diagnosis owing to lack of concern over "bleeding hemorrhoids." Rectal bleeding may be hidden and chronic and may show up as an iron deficiency anemia. It may be associated with fatigue and pale skin. It usually, but not always, can be detected through a fecal occult (hidden) blood test, in which samples of stool are submitted to a lab for detection of blood. If the tumor gets large enough, it may completely or partially block your colon. You may notice the following symptoms of bowel obstruction: Abdominal distension: Your belly sticks out more than it did before without weight gain. Abdominal pain: This is rare in colon cancer. One cause is tearing (perforation) of the bowel. Leaking of bowel contents into the pelvis can cause inflammation (peritonitis) and infection. Unexplained, persistent nausea or vomiting Unexplained weight loss Change in frequency or character of stool (bowel movements) Small-caliber (narrow) or ribbon-like stools Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement Rectal pain: Pain rarely occurs with colon cancer and usually indicates a bulky tumor in the rectum that may invade surrounding tissue. Studies suggest that the average duration of symptoms (from onset to diagnosis) is 14 weeks. There is no association between overall duration of symptoms and the stage of your tumor.

Question: what are the first symptoms of colon cancer? Would like to know if I am a candidate for colonoscopy. I am 59yrs, F, no family history of cancer, non smoker. Any recommendation?

Answer: I certainly think it would be a wise move at your age, even younger, 45-50. Early stages of colon cancer most often produce no symptoms, that is why screening, (colonoscopy) is so important. Symptoms may be be thin, ribbon-like stools (caused by obstruction/tumor) or blood in the stool but these can also be symptomatic of another problem, as is, chronic constipation and/or abdominal pain. Again, all the more reason for screening to rule it out and be sure. And an added note, most colo-rectal cancer occurs sporadically in an individual without any previous family history.

Question: What are the symptoms of colon cancer? Initially the doctors say it is irritable bowel syndrome. Medicines give only a temporary relief. Will this be cancer?

Answer: Having these symptoms does not mean you have cancer. A number of other medical problems could cause similar symptoms, including: * Irritable bowel syndrome, a common digestive problem that causes periods of stomach pain, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. * Other growths (polyps) in the large intestine that are not cancer. * Diverticulitis, a condition in which pouches form in the wall of the colon and become painful, swollen, or infected. * Infections that cause diarrhea, such as salmonella. * Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause swelling and sores in the intestines. * Bleeding hemorrhoids. * Ulcers of the rectum.

Question: What are the symptoms of colon cancer, and what are the symptoms of stomach cancer? How can you know if you have one of these diseases? what is the survival rates for both diseases?

Answer: The symptoms for colon cancer can be as simple as slight bleeding from the back passage or a simple change in bowel habits. Stomach cancer would often be signified by a mass in that region but this can obviously be benign. Survival rates obviously depend on how early you seek medical help. If you have any symptoms even if you think they are only minor you should approach your GP as early diagnosis and treatment means better survival.

Question: Colon Cancer symptoms, if any.? I'm in my mid-50's and my mother died of colon cancer at age 73. My doctor has never indicated that it is necessary for me to have testing done besides the "strip" of paper test. I remember the doctors saying if my mother had done the testing earlier she could have survived. Do doctor's wait for patients to say they want one or are there symptoms they go by?

Answer: Colon cancer symptoms sometimes do not appear until the disease has progressed into an advanced stage. Bleeding - Blood in Stool: This is the most commonly experienced colon cancer symptom. As a tumor grows larger, the passage of feces can cause the tumor to bleed. it is common to see blood if the tumor is near the anus, but it is much more common for the blood to be hidden inside the stools. Weight Loss: An unexpected weight loss accompanied by other symptoms can indicate colon cancer. The pain and discomfort caused by a tumor can lead to loss of appetite, which in turn results in weight loss. Changes in Bowel Habits: If you are consistently constipated or have diarrhea, this must be evaluated by a physician. Changes in bowel habits also include gas and producing thinner stools. Thinner stools are usually the result of a tumor obstructing the passage of feces. This is one of the more common colon cancer symptoms. Abdominal Discomfort: Abdominal discomfort can mean many things - bloating, swelling, cramping and feeling full. Abdominal Pain: Swelling and pain of the abdomen are also symptoms of colon cancer. This usually occurs when the intestine is blocked by a tumor. If the tumor grows large, then nausea and vomiting can occur. Fatigue: Fatigue is a symptom of many cancers. It can also be a symptom of many other conditions that aren't cancer related. Fatigue experienced with cancer can be mild or severe. Talking to Your Doctor: Many people feel shy to talk about bowel habits with their doctor, especially women. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, I can't stress how important it is to talk to your doctor! Better to be safe than sorry!

Question: What is the symptoms of colon cancer and how is the test done? I am having some itching, and i took zentel but it is still happening, i dont past my stool everyday so i am very concern.

Answer: Symptoms are: - rectal bleeding - stomach cramps - diarrhoea - constipation - thin stools - feeling of not having emptied your bowels fully - bloated feeling - fatigue Colon cancer is often found through a colonoscopy, where they insert a tube with a camera into your bum and look at your bowel. If any polyps are found, they take samples and do a biopsy.

Question: can colon cancer symptoms occur and disappear after a few months and symptoms start again after 3 years? i think i had colon cancer symptoms 3 years ago, symptoms like bleeding during a bowel movement, constipation, cramps, and diarrhea....i had the symptoms for a few months, so i went to the doctor and they checked my stool sample, and blood... and said that the tests came up negative...they told me to eat right and the symptoms disappeared within a couple of weeks....i was 17 years old at the time......i am 20 years old right now and i started having symptoms again....so the main question is, can colon cancer symptoms disappear and come back after a few years?

Answer: If you had colon cancer 3 years ago, you'd be dead by now without treatment. Sounds more like ibs.

Question: Can you have colon cancer and have no other symptoms except pain? Is it possible to have colon cancer, and yet only have one symptom, which is abdominal discomfort, which is on and off and can be absent for months and then come back, at age 21- and again, no other symptoms except the on and off discomfort pain, which usually is only there in the morning the days it does appear?

Answer: It is very possible to have colon cancer with no symptoms at all. Abdominal pain is not an early warning symptom for colon cancer. Intermittent abdominal pain in a 21 year old is far more likely to be caused by a benign disorder rather than a malignancy of the colon or a cancer of any other kind in the abdomen. It would be unlikely for any cancer caused pain to get better or go away for months and then come back off and on with no treatment. If a cancer is causing pain, it is stretching or pressing on a pain sensitive area. If a cancer is untreated, the pain it causes is more constant and progressive rather than intermittent.

Question: 30 year old female with colon cancer symptoms. My sister has the symptoms below. Could it be colon cancer? I am very concerned about my sister. Here are her symptoms: Constipation mucus in stool Dr. tested her stool and they found blood in it She is very anemic Stomach pain she said her stool can also be skinny (narrow) I know she is only 30, but my Grandpa had colon cancer and it worries me that she has had these symptoms for so long. Besides colon cancer, what else could it be? Thank you. If there is anyone else who has had colon cancer, please respond as well. Thank you

Answer: I had colon cancer and I am in my 40's. I had no sign except for one night I saw blood in my stool (I was on a blood thinner for a blood clot in my let. It was the firt time I saw blood and went to the ER for it. They didn't think it was anything and they (dr) were all stocked I had stage 1 cancer. I was constipated all the time too, just went little nuggets. Please have it checked. Please read below. Common symptom of colorectal cancer is a change in bowel habits. Symptoms include: Having diarrhea or constipation Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool Finding your stools are narrower than usual Frequently having gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated Losing weight with no known reason Feeling very tired all the time Having nausea or vomiting Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause the same symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Usually, early cancer does not cause pain. It is important not to wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor. < Previous Section | Next Section > I had colon cancer and only saw blood one night and went to the hospital with no other sign. Stage 1 colon cancer. All removed and taken care of. Cancer does not recognise anyone's age, please have it check out.l This information about is from the National Cancer Institute, very helpful sight. Source(s): http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk...

Question: I have symptoms of Colon Cancer, are there any other diseases that resemble the symptoms of Colon Cancer? I have: Bloody Stools Thin Stools Diarehha Constipation Abdominal pain Going poop alot No solid or "regular" stools I feel like I have to poop all the time, but only a tiny bit comes out or nothing I'm tired all the time I have a doctors appointment for this Friday. Personally, I don't feel these symptoms could be Crohn's or IBL. What do you guys think?

Answer: Everyone gave you what I think are great answers. I however disagree with Chrones, IBS...possibly, Do these things happen when you eat dairy? These are also the symptoms of a lactose intolerant diet. Next time you drink milk, eat cheese or ice cream, keep note of what happens. It may be that all you need is a pill you can buy over the counter for lactose intolerance. I hope that's all it is. With those symptoms, your DR may want to do a colonoscopy on you depending on your age. How old are you? This is the test that determines colon cancer or the threat of colon cancer. If you're just a teen or in your early 20's he may not. or she whatever the case may be. Just be aware of your dairy intake and the results. Hope you feel better soon.

Question: What could be the signs of pancreatic cancer if there are no symptoms? As we know, this killer disease has no symptoms and only diagnose when it's too late. What could be done to avoid this or what to do to find out if you are not getting this? Does it start by having stomach aches or similar to indigestion or colon cancer symptoms?

Answer: Pancreatic cancer, primarily ductal adenocarcinoma, accounts for an estimated 37,000 cases and 33,000 deaths in the US annually. Symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Diagnosis is by CT. Treatment is surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Prognosis is poor because disease is often advanced at the time of diagnosis. (Merck) Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. The disease is slightly more common in men than in women, and risk increases with age. The cause is unknown, but it is more common in smokers and in obese individuals. Almost a third of cases of pancreatic cancer are due to cigarette smoking. There is controversy as to whether type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. A small number of cases are known to be related to syndromes that are passed down through families. (MedlinePlus) Prevention Although there's no proven way to prevent pancreatic cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk, including: * Quit smoking. If you smoke, quit. Talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit, including support groups, medications and nicotine replacement therapy. If you don't smoke, don't start. * Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of pancreatic cancer. If you need to lose weight, aim for a slow, steady weight loss — 1 or 2 pounds (0.5 or 1 kilogram) a week. Combine daily exercise with a plant-focused diet with smaller portions to help you lose weight. * Exercise regularly. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you're not used to exercising, start out slowly and work up to your goal. * Eat a healthy diet. A diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains is good for you, and may help reduce your risk of cancer. (MayoClinic).

Question: I think I may have symptoms of colon cancer.Can anyone recommend in VA a dr. to see without any insurance? I have abdominal pain,extreme fatigue,and very dark stools.I also feel bloated after everything I eat.

Answer: If there is a University nearby they will most likely have a medical school. You could check with them........best wishes..........they would not charge very much. Tell them your financial situation.

Question: What shall i do i have colon cancer and im only 14? I am only 14 years old and today i was diagnosed with colon cancer symptoms and im not sure what to do! I am very upset about it and feel that my friends should know about my condition. How can i tell them without scaring them? And what shall i do to make my self feel better?? thankyou to anyone who can help me!

Answer: “Colon cancer symptoms� is not a diagnosis. If you truly were diagnosed with colon cancer not scaring your friends should be the least of your concerns. When someone your age gets an adult cancer it is far more dangerous for you than it would be for a 60 year old person.

Question: Does anybody know if green stool could be a sign of colon cancer? Today when I went to the bathroom, my stool was greenish. It almost looked like it had green moss growing on it. Does anybody know if this is a sign of colon cancer? I've had other colon cancer symptoms as well lately and I have a doctors appointment scheduled for July 6th. I've never heard of green stool being a symptom of colon cancer, but I am just curious.

Answer: You wouldn't have happened to maybe eat some green veggies in the last few days? No, it's not a sign of cancer. What would your other symptoms happen to be?