Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the functioning of the large intestine. The large intestine is located at the end of the digestive tract. In majority of the cases, colon cancer begins as small, non-cancerous clumps of cells called polyps, which later turn into malignant cells.

The three signs of colon cancer that must not be ignored are rectal bleeding, dark stools, and changes in bowel habits. During the initial stages of colon cancer, the symptoms are not pronounced. The symptoms of colon cancer start showing up only in later stages, which is when the benign cells turn malignant.

Symptoms of colon cancer
People with a family history of colon cancer should watch out for the three signs of colon cancer.

• Marked changes in bowel habit is a typical symptom of colon cancer. Some may have severe constipation, while others may have diarrhea
• Dark stools are another warning sign of colon cancer. Dark patches of blood in your stool or long, thin, pencil-like stools are often seen in people affected by colon cancer
• Rectal bleeding and cramping is another symptom of colon cancer
• The feeling of incomplete emptying of bowels or urgency in bowel movement is a warning sign associated with colon cancer
• Abdominal pain or cramping due to cancerous cell growth in the colon is another symptom you need to pay heed to.

You should consult your physician immediately if one or more of these symptoms appear for a long duration.

The significance of regular screening for colon cancer
Since colon cancer symptoms do not show up during the initial stages; periodic screening helps to detect the disease at the early stages. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening for colon cancer from ages as early as 45 years.

Early screening of colon cancer helps in the timely detection and effective treatment of the three signs of colon cancer. When you experience the 3 signs of colon cancer, you should seek immediate medical help. 9 out of 10 people at early stages of colon cancer have 5 years of survival.