What is colon cancer?

Answer 1

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers.

Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. Regular screening tests can help prevent colon cancer by identifying polyps before they become cancerous. If signs and symptoms of colon cancer do appear, they may include changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal pain.

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in your large intestine.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

* A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
* Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
* Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
* Abdominal pain with a bowel movement
* A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
* Weakness or fatigue
* Unexplained weight loss

Blood in your stool may be a sign of cancer, but it can also indicate other conditions. Bright red blood you notice on bathroom tissue more commonly comes from hemorrhoids or minor tears (fissures) in your anus, for example. In addition, certain foods, such as beets or red licorice, can turn your stools red. Iron supplements and some anti-diarrheal medications may make stools black. Still, it's best to have any sign of blood or change in your stools checked promptly by your doctor because it can be a sign of something more serious. -

Answer 2

Colorectal cancer is malignant cells found in the colon or rectum. The colon and the rectum are part of the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system. Because colon cancer and rectal cancers have many features in common, they are sometimes referred to together as colorectal cancer. Cancerous tumors found in the colon or rectum also may spread to other parts of the body.

The following are the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. People who have any of the following symptoms should check with their physicians, especially if they are over 40 years old or have a personal or family history of the disease:

# a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days
# rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
# cramping or gnawing stomach pain
# decreased appetite
# vomiting
# weakness and fatigue
# yellowish coloring of the skin or sclera of the eye

The symptoms of colorectal cancer may resemble other conditions, such as infections, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease.'