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Colon cancer can develop quietly. In its early stages, some people have no noticeable symptoms at all, while others may experience changes that seem minor or easy to blame on diet, stress, hemorrhoids, or an ordinary digestive problem.

That is one reason awareness matters.

A change in bowel habits that persists, unexplained blood in the stool, ongoing abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss does not automatically mean colon cancer. These symptoms can have many other causes. But when something is unusual for you and does not go away, it deserves attention.

Knowing the potential warning signs can help you recognize when it is time to speak with a healthcare professional.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer begins in the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system.

The colon absorbs water from the material passing through the digestive tract and helps form stool. Abnormal cells can sometimes develop in the lining of the colon and form growths called polyps.

Many polyps are harmless, but some types can gradually develop into cancer over time.

This is one reason screening is so important. Certain screening tests can identify precancerous polyps and allow them to be removed before they become cancerous.

Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together under the term colorectal cancer, because they share many characteristics and risk factors.

1. A Persistent Change in Your Bowel Habits

One of the signs worth paying attention to is a persistent change in your normal bowel pattern.

This could include:

• More frequent bowel movements

• Constipation that is unusual for you

• Diarrhea that persists

• Alternating constipation and diarrhea

• Stools that become consistently thinner or narrower

• A feeling that you still need to have a bowel movement after going

Everyone experiences occasional digestive changes.

A meal, travel, stress, medication, infection, or change in diet can temporarily alter bowel movements.

The concern is more about a new, persistent change without an obvious explanation.

If your bowel habits have been noticeably different for several weeks, discussing the change with a healthcare professional is sensible.

2. Blood in Your Stool

Blood in or on the stool is another important symptom.

Depending on where bleeding occurs, it may appear as:

• Bright red blood

• Dark red or maroon-colored stool

• Very dark or black stool