Colon Cancer Symptoms in Women

Colon cancer is also called colorectal cancer and cancer of the large intestine. It arises from the adenomatous polyps in the colon. These are the mushroom-shaped cancerous outgrowths in the colon, rectum and appendix that lead to colon cancer. At the initial stage, these growths are not dangerous to health, but over a period of time, they develop into cancerous growths which can be detected only through colonoscopy procedure. Colon cancer, in its first two stages, is invasive and confined within the walls of the colon, and can be cured with a surgery. At the third stage, if untreated, these growths spread to the regional lymph nodes. At this stage, only 73% of cancer is curable by surgery and chemotherapy. Further, at its fourth stage, colon cancer is usually not curable, chemotherapy can help extend the survival time. Radiation is also used in colon rectal cancer. In rare cases, at the stage IV, there have been reports of patients getting cured with a combination of both chemotherapy and surgery.

Types of Colon Cancer

The early signs and symptoms of colon cancer are too generic to call them diagnostic symptoms. Colon cancer symptoms in women also depend on the position of tumor in the bowel and whether it has spread anywhere else in the body which is also termed as metastasis. The signs and symptoms shown by colon cancer may be seen in other minor diseases as well. These are divided into local symptoms, constitutional symptoms and metastatic symptoms. Constitutional symptoms affect the entire body while metastatic symptoms are caused by spreading of tumor to other body organs. Let's take a look at these symptoms.

Local: Local colon cancer symptoms can be seen when the tumor is positioned near the anus. There will be a change in your bowel movement - constipation or diarrhea. You may also get a feeling of unfulfilled defecation and decrease in the diameter of stool because of the increased presence of the mucus. Lower intestinal bleeding that involves a discharge of bright red blood from the stool may indicate colorectal cancer. Upper intestinal bleeding, usually occurring from an ulcer, along with black stool might indicate a colorectal cancer when the cancerous growths are located right in the beginning of the large bowel. It may also cause blood or air in the urine, vaginal discharge (in women) and uncontrolled bowel perforating.

Constitutional: If a tumor has been caused due to chronic bleeding, iron deficiency might be experienced due to loss of blood. Symptoms like fatigue, palpitations and pale skin are signs of iron deficiency. It may also lead to weight loss, decrease in appetite and unexplained fever.

Metastatic: Liver is one of the most common places where a colon cancer may spread. This symptom is very difficult to notice. High tumor deposits in the liver may cause jaundice. If the bile duct gets blocked by this tumor deposit, it may result in biliary obstructions.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer In Women

It is essential to identify the signs of colon cancer in the initial stages, so that it can be treated and cured. Mentioned below are some of the symptoms, observed in individuals affected with cancer.

Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss is a common symptom of all cancers. A tumor in the intestine can obstruct the passage and create a feeling of fullness or bloating sensation. This can be caused due to loss of appetite, which in turn can lead to sudden weight loss

Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Pain in the abdominal region should not be ignored as it is one of the indications of colon cancer. This may start as a mild ache, followed by a slight pricking or burning sensation, in the lower abdomen. As the pain increases in intensity, it can radiate towards the back and pelvic region. This is often accompanied by discomfort and painful spasms in the abdomen.

Abnormal Bleeding
Bleeding in the absence of a menstrual cycle can be a clear sign of bowel cancer. Observing considerable amount of blood in the urine or stool should not be ignored. Rectal bleeding can be seen as dark patches of blood in the stool. Bleeding can be sometimes followed by rectal pain.

Unintended Bowel Movements
A woman suffering from colon cancer will notice a sudden and a serious change in her bowel movements. . She will either experience diarrhea or feel constipated. A change in the consistency of her bowel movements, for instance, ribbon-like or narrow stools may be seen. This can also be confused with minor signs like these, like in case of rectal bleeding. What is important here is the duration for which she experiences these signs. In case of colon cancer, a woman will experience these symptoms for over 2 weeks!

Weakness and Severe Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common symptom of cancer. Again, not every case of fatigue should be associated with cancer. In case of colon cancer, a woman will experience severe fatigue because of higher number of calories being burnt because of the tumor. A woman may also turn anemic due to discharge of blood from her stools and vagina. Severe fatigue is also associated with anemia.

Problems in the Digestive System
Other digestive problems, apart from rectal bleeding and change in bowel movements, include nausea and vomiting. Unrelated bloating happens due to blockage of the tumor in the large intestine. Cramps in lower abdominal area and a very bad feeling of gas are also few signs are colon cancer symptoms in women.

Experts say that, most of the cancers are caused due to alcohol, smoking and obesity. It has also been found that, colon cancer would generally develop in men and women over the age of 50. Having said that, I would recommend a screening for cancer to my middle aged readers. To all those who are young, please say no to alcohol and smoking and exercise regularly to avoid obesity.

So, with these colon cancer symptoms and signs in women, I am sure my female readers will take a precautionary measure asap! If you notice any of these symptoms, I strongly insist on visiting an expert doctor over this issue. But if these signs are seen on a minor scale, you should avoid panic and should not associate it with colon cancer. Stay fit; stay healthy!