Colon cancer is one of the most common  forms of cancer worldwide. It most often starts as a small clump of noncancerous cells known as polyps that grow inside the colon. These polyps can develop into cancer over time. It’s important to receive a diagnosis as soon as possible so treatments can begin. Whether it’s prescribed medications like Opdivo, chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments and medications, the quicker it’s caught, the more effective treatments are. Listed below are a few of the early symptoms of colon cancer that you should watch out for.

1. Change in bowel habits
If there is a change in your bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea that lasts for more than a week, it could be a sign of a large polyp that could develop into colon cancer. Although changes in bowel habits could be due to a change in dietary habits, if they occur over a period of time, it could be an indicator of digestive and bowel issues.

2. Blood in the stool
If you notice blood in your stool or your stool has turned darker than normal, you should visit your doctor without delay. This is a characteristic sign of colon cancer. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool usually occurs due to bleeding from the polyps into the digestive tract. Your doctor would recommend a blood test to enable the early detection of colon cancer.

3. Changes in stool consistency
If you notice any changes in your stool, such as softer or of a narrower shape, for a long time, you should talk to your doctor. In addition to color, changes in stool consistency are an indicator of colon cancer.

4. Incomplete bowel movements
If you constantly feel the need to pass stool or feel that your bowels have not emptied fully and properly, it could be due to issues such as colon cancer. Some patients have reported that it also takes them longer to pass stool.

5. Abdominal discomfort
Abdominal pain, cramps, or gas could also be one of the early symptoms of colon cancer. Although, you could get pain or gas after eating certain foods. However, if the pain persists and is severe, you should visit your doctor. Similarly, if gas or bloating is frequent and still persists, get yourself examined by a medical practitioner.

6. Weakness and fatigue
The internal bleeding that occurs due to the polyps in the colon could make you feel tired and weak. This tiredness or fatigue is common to most forms of cancer and comes on suddenly even without much activity or exertion. You would also not feel any better resting or sleeping. If you notice these signs and those mentioned above, you should take this up to your doctor about getting screened for cancer, especially colon cancer.

7. Weight loss
Unexplained weight loss also occurs in most forms of cancer. The polyps that are present in colon cancer affect the way in which food is metabolized. They also block the colon and disrupt the proper digestion of food. This would cause a decrease in appetite, which, in turn, would result in weight loss.

Being aware of the symptoms of c olon cancer  is key to detecting this condition early.