Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but it often goes unnoticed in its early stages due to its subtle and sometimes vague symptoms. Many people may ignore the early signs, which can lead them to assume they are the cause of less serious problems. However, recognizing these unusual symptoms can be important for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are eight unusual symptoms of colon cancer that people ignore for years:

Changes in bowel habits
While occasional changes in bowel habits are common, persistent changes can be a warning sign. These include diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than a few days, or a feeling that your bowels are not emptying completely. Such changes can signal a problem, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, such as bloating or cramps.

Unexplained weight loss
Sudden, unexplained weight loss can be a sign that something is wrong. In colon cancer, this happens when the body starts using too much energy to fight the disease or when a tumor blocks the intestine, which reduces the absorption of nutrients. It’s important to get checked out if you notice significant weight loss without changing your diet or exercise.

Stomach pain or cramps
Stomach pain or cramps can be caused by digestive problems or food intolerances, but persistent pain that doesn’t go away could be a sign of colon cancer. People with colon cancer often experience mild, cramping abdominal pain or sharp pain in the lower abdomen. If the pain is frequent or increasing, it’s worth consulting a doctor.

Bleeding from the stool or rectum
Seeing blood in your stool or on the toilet paper after wiping is one of the most common symptoms of colon cancer. It may appear bright or dark red, which indicates hemorrhoids or, more worryingly, internal bleeding from a tumor. If you have persistent bleeding, you should seek medical attention to rule out colon cancer or other gastrointestinal problems.

Feeling tired or weak
Feeling unusually tired or weak for no apparent reason could be a sign of colon cancer. Cancer-related fatigue is often persistent and does not improve with rest. It can be related to anemia caused by internal bleeding, where the body releases blood from the colon but has no obvious symptoms, leading to a lack of red blood cells and resulting fatigue.

Nausea and vomiting
If you have frequent nausea and vomiting for no apparent reason, it may be related to colon cancer, especially if the cancerous growth is blocking part of the colon or intestine. This blockage can cause gastrointestinal reflux, which can cause nausea and vomiting as the body tries to clear the blockage.

Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
Feeling like you have to have a bowel movement even after using the bathroom or feeling like you haven’t completely passed out is a sign that your colon is partially blocked. This feeling could be caused by a tumor blocking the colon. If this feeling persists or worsens, you should see a healthcare provider.

Iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells due to a lack of iron, which can be caused by long-term blood loss. If you are having trouble breathing, feeling dizzy, or have pale skin, it could be due to iron deficiency caused by a colon tumor that is slowly bleeding. One of the first symptoms that doctors find when diagnosing colon cancer is iron deficiency anemia.