Colon cancer shows no symptoms in its most curable stages; so all adults 50-74 years old should be screened regularly.
The following symptoms (experienced over a period of time) may be associated with colon cancer but could have other causes. If you have none of the symptoms, you should get screened. If you have some of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider.
- Blood in stool (either bright red, very dark, black, or tarry looking);
- Change in bowel habits;
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely;
- Stools which are narrower than usual;
- General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps);
- Weight loss for no known reason;
- Constant tiredness;
- Vomiting.
