Colon cancer is among the most commonly-diagnosed types of cancer, and the symptoms experienced due to this cancer primarily depend on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, and its implication on the different tissues and organs of the body. Here, we will discuss seven early warning symptoms of colon cancer that should never be overlooked:

• Weight loss
  A symptom of colon cancer that becomes visible early is sudden or unexplained weight loss. If one has lost over 10 pounds in less than 6 months without following any diet or making any lifestyle changes, it indicates a problem. The development of colon cancer causes the body and the immune system to consume a lot of energy as it tries to combat the disease. Also, the presence of cancer cells in the body tends to change the mechanism of food to energy conversion in the body, which can lead to weight loss.
• Weakness or fatigue
  Many people tend to look at fatigue as tiredness. Of course, we all have our share of obligations an everyday responsibilities, and they can make us feel a bit run down. However, if this tiredness does not go away with adequate rest, an underlying problem might be the cause. So, if one experiences prolonged weakness or fatigue that is not resolved after rest, they should visit a doctor at the earliest to diagnose its cause.
• Abdominal cramps
  People tend to experience abdominal cramps every now and then, which could also be a symptom of several non-cancerous conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids. However, persistent abdominal cramps might be an early warning symptom of colon cancer.
• Presence of blood spots in stool
  Another symptom of colon cancer is the presence of blood spots in the stools. At times, the spots would be light and might not be visible to the naked eye, while one might see bright red blood spots in other cases. Sometimes, the stool might be excessively black or dark in color, which could mean that the stool has dried blood in it. Whenever a person notices blood in the stool, they must immediately seek help from a doctor.
• Rectal bleeding
  Another early warning symptoms of colon cancer, rectal bleeding needs immediate medical attention.
• Sudden change in bowel movements
  A key symptom of colon cancer is a change in bowel habits, so if one experiences thin stools or a variation in the frequency of bowel movements in a day, it’s best to consult a doctor for further diagnosis and timely treatment.
• Variation in the consistency of stool
  If a person experiences a drastic change in the consistency of the stool, it could be a warning symptom of colon cancer and requires immediate professional medical attention.