Symptoms
Colon cancer may be present without symptoms, particularly early in its course. The passage of bright red blood in the stool or a change in the frequency, consistency or thickness of stool are the most typical symptoms. Other symptoms may include tiredness due to anemia (low blood count) or weight loss.
Regular colonoscopies as recommended can detect cancers at an early stage or stop them from developing altogether by removing polyps. Those with a family history of colon cancer, polyps and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and people over 50 should all be screened – even in the absence of any symptoms. Early colon cancer is more than 90 per cent curable with endoscopic removal or surgery and yet fewer than 20 per cent of Canadians who are eligible for screening are making use of this preventative option.
Important: This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.