Warning Signs of Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)
→ Bright red blood
→ Often seen on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or streaked on stool
→ Many people assume it is piles, but colon/rectal cancers can also bleed
→ Any repeated bleeding should be checked, especially if you’re above 40–45
→ Dark, maroon, or black stools
→ Dark stools can indicate bleeding higher up in the digestive tract
→ Black, sticky, tar-like stools (melena) can suggest upper GI bleeding, but certain colon bleeds can also darken stool
Iron tablets and bismuth medicines can also darken stool—so the context matters→ Occult (hidden) bleeding
→ Sometimes there is no visible blood, but slow bleeding causes iron deficiency anemia
→ This is why adults with unexplained anemia must be evaluated for bowel blood loss
4) Persistent Abdominal Pain, Cramps, or Discomfort→ Repeated cramps or colicky pain
→ Partial blockage can cause bowel spasms, leading to cramp-like pain that comes and goes
→ Pain may worsen after meals as the bowel tries to push contents forward
→ Persistent lower abdominal discomfort or heaviness
→ Some people describe a constant “uneasy” feeling rather than sharp pain
→ If discomfort is new and persistent, it should not be ignored
→ Bloating and excessive gas
→ When stool and gas can’t move smoothly, bloating increases
→ Persistent bloating (especially with weight loss or bowel habit change) is concerning
5) Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Emptying (Tenesmus)→ Feeling you still need to pass stool even after using the toilet
→ This can happen if a growth is in the rectum or lower colon and keeps triggering the urge
→ You may feel “something is stuck” or there is a constant urge to go
→ This symptom is especially important when combined with blood or mucus
6) Unexplained Weight Loss→ Weight loss without dieting or extra exercise
→ Cancer can reduce appetite and change how the body uses energy
→ Weight loss becomes more concerning when paired with fatigue, bowel changes, or abdominal symptoms
→ Loss of appetite / early fullness
→ Some people feel full quickly or eat less because the gut feels uncomfortable
