3. Frequent abdominal pain
Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the lower abdomen, can be a warning sign. Some people describe it as:
Colic
Persistent gases
Abdominal bloating
Feeling of pressure
This pain may be related to the presence of a tumor that is growing and affecting the normal functioning of the large intestine.
4. Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without dieting or changing your eating habits can be a sign that something is wrong. In the case of colon cancer, weight loss may be due to:
The tumor’s energy consumption
The body fighting against disease
Problems absorbing nutrients
If you are losing weight rapidly for no apparent reason, it is essential to have a complete medical check-up.
5. Constant weakness or fatigue
Colon cancer, especially if it causes internal bleeding, can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This causes the body to have fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen, resulting in symptoms such as:
Extreme fatigue
Unexplained weakness
Difficulty concentrating
Pallor
Don’t ignore chronic fatigue, especially if it’s accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms.
6. Thin or pencil-shaped stools
A change in stool consistency—especially if stools become thinner or narrower than normal—can indicate a partial obstruction of the colon. This symptom is often overlooked, but it can be an early sign of a tumor blocking the intestine.