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Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology

Patient and Family Education

Colon Cancer

Symptoms

The symptoms of colon cancer may resemble the symptoms of other conditions, such as infections, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease, so it is important to see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis.

Since early detection of colon cancer makes successful treatment more likely, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• A change in bowel habits (such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool) that lasts for more than a few days
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Cramping or gnawing stomach pain
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue
• Jaundice (yellowing) of the skin or sclera of the eye

It is also possible to have the cancer and not have symptoms, so screening is essential for persons who are at an increased risk of getting the disease, including those over age fifty.

This page was last updated on: September 23, 2009.

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