Colon cancer can strike anyone. In the US the lifetime risk of being diagnosed is 5.5% in men and 5.1% in women. According to the American Cancer Society 2009 Statistics there will be 106,100 new cases in the Unites States along. So that basically means that the overall lifetime risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer is about 1 person in every 19. Only 20-25% of colon cancer cases occur in people that have a family history of colon cancer, the other 75-80% have no history at all.

Unfortunately in the early stages of colon cancer there are few if any signs and symptoms. It is only when it has advanced that the symptoms begin to appear. However there are many known risk factors, such as a family history or even personal history of polyps in the colon and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. People that have immediate family members (mother, father, sister, children) who have had colon cancer do have two times the risk of developing the disease compared to a person that has no such family history. This risk increases even further if the relative was diagnosed at a younger age or if more than one family member is affected.

Colon cancer symptoms as stated previously are not seen in the early stages of the disease, however there are some symptoms that you watch for.

Bleeding from the rectum

Colon cancer begins as polyps, which are small growths in the wall of the colon. Over time these polyps can grow and become malignant. As polyps grow then can obstruct the intestine and bleed. The bleeding does not necessarily mean that you have colon cancer, however you should seek medical attention as this is one of the first symptoms of colon cancer and it is it best to take care just in case. Bleeding from the rectum can be bright red or if the bleeding is far from the rectum the stool is extremely dark and looks black like tar.

Additionally if the bleeding is internal and goes into the intestine it can result in anemia, which will result in a lack of energy. If there is any unexplainable anemia the colon cancer should be considered.

Constipation/Diarrhea

A new onset of constipation is another symptom of colon cancer. This happens due to the growth of the cancer that blocks the intestine so that the stool cannot pass. However in some cases diarrhea may occur. If diarrhea does not resolve within a few days medical attention should be sought.

Abnormal Weight Loss

When the Intestinal tract becomes blocked, either partially or completely there may be a sensation of fullness, as well as a loss of appetite followed by weight loss. Until proven otherwise these are symptoms of some cancers, including colon cancer.

Other symptoms include cramping pain in the lower stomach, a feeling of discomfort or the feeling to have a bowel movement where there is no need to have one.

If you have any of these symptoms especially if there is a combination of these symptoms it is imperative that you see your physician, as they can be colon cancer symptoms.