Colon cancer is a serious condition that affects thousands of people every year. Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the early symptoms of colon cancer, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Here are 10 symptoms of colon cancer that every 45-year-old should know:.

1. Abdominal Pain and Discomfort

One of the most common symptoms of colon cancer is abdominal pain and discomfort. This can be a result of the tumor growing and pushing against the wall of the colon, or it may be caused by inflammation or irritation of the colon itself.

If you experience persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, it’s important to speak with your doctor.

2. Changes in Bowel Habits

Another common symptom of colon cancer is changes in bowel habits. This can include diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both.

It’s important to pay attention to any changes in your bowel habits, especially if these changes persist for more than a few days.

3. Blood in the Stool

Blood in the stool is one of the most well-known symptoms of colon cancer. This can be bright red or dark in color, and may be mixed in with the stool or found on the toilet paper.

If you notice blood in your stool, it’s important to contact your doctor right away.

4. Fatigue

Colon cancer can also cause fatigue, which is a feeling of extreme tiredness or exhaustion. This can be caused by the body’s immune response to the cancer or by the cancer itself.

If you feel unusually tired or fatigued, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor.

5. Unintentional Weight Loss

If you notice that you are losing weight without intentionally trying to do so, this could be a sign of colon cancer. This is often caused by the body’s immune response to the cancer, which can increase metabolism and cause weight loss.

6. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of many conditions, including colon cancer. If you are experiencing persistent nausea or vomiting, it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause.

7. Abdominal Swelling

Another symptom of colon cancer is abdominal swelling, which can be caused by a blockage in the colon or by the tumor itself. This can be accompanied by pain or discomfort in the abdomen.

8. Anemia

Anemia is a condition that results from a lack of red blood cells in the body. This can be caused by colon cancer if the tumor is bleeding, leading to a loss of blood. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

9. Changes in Stool Consistency

Colon cancer can cause changes in the consistency of the stool, including narrow or pencil-thin stool. This is often a sign that there is a blockage in the colon, which can be caused by the tumor.

If you notice changes in the consistency of your stool, it’s important to speak with your doctor.

10. Incomplete Bowel Movements

Finally, colon cancer can cause incomplete bowel movements, which means that you feel like you need to have a bowel movement but are unable to completely empty your bowels. This can be caused by a blockage in the colon or by the tumor itself.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor. While these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, it’s important to rule out colon cancer as a potential cause.

Early detection is key to successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.