There are many potential symptoms of colon cancer. Some are mild, and others may be more alarming.
It’s important to speak with your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any of these symptoms to determine why you’re having them.
Early detection of colon cancer can significantly improve your chances of survival.
Learn more about colon cancer.
- blood in your stool (poop)
- rectal bleeding
- bowel habit changes (diarrhea or constipation)
- straining to pass stool (even after having a bowel movement)
- unintentional or unexplained weight loss
- abdominal pain
- signs or symptoms of an intestinal obstruction (a medical emergency — go to the nearest ER if you think you have an obstruction):
- new or unusual bloating
- inability or difficulty passing gas
- constipation
- vomiting
- fever
- fatigue
- feeling unwell (malaise) along with any of these symptoms
Some symptoms of colon cancer can also be symptoms of other conditions. Here’s a table to help compare symptoms:
| Colon cancer symptom | Other conditions it might be: |
|---|---|
| blood in stool | • hemorrhoids • anal fissures • inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) • colitis (inflammation of the colon) • diverticular disease • typical blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract • rectal ulcers |
| diarrhea | • food poisoning • viral illnesses • stress • food allergies • dehydration • antibiotic use |
| constipation | • conditions that affect intestinal functioning • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) • too little fiber in your diet • medications you take • laxative overuse • dehydration (consuming too few liquids) • ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement • sedentary lifestyle • a change in your routine (travel, stress, pregnancy, aging) |
| unintentional or unexplained weight loss | • substance use disorders • stress • thyroid conditions • bacterial infections • parasitic infections • heart failure • other types of cancer • dementia • Parkinson’s disease • other chronic illnesses |
| fever | • bacterial and viral infections • gastroenteritis • inflammatory conditions like arthritis • allergic reactions • other types of cancer |
| abdominal pain | • gastrointestinal illnesses • food poisoning • reproductive system conditions (ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy) • endometriosis • kidney stones or gallstones • heart attack • pulled muscles • other types of cancer |
There are several possible symptoms of colon cancer, and many of these symptoms are also signs or symptoms of other common, mild, and sometimes serious conditions.
It’s very important to see your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any of these symptoms. For colon cancer and other conditions with these symptoms, early diagnosis and detection can improve your outlook and help you feel better.