The colon is an important part of the digestive system, while the rectum is the end part of the colon, forming together the large bowel.

There are many symptoms of colon cancer, but unfortunately the majority of them do not occur until the cancer is very advanced. Rectal colon cancer symptoms can be considered to be hidden because sometimes the cancer is diagnosed after it has evolved without any of the symptoms appearing.

However, when rectal colon cancer symptoms occur they include in the first phase constipation or diarrhea or in some cases the alternation between these two, some changes in the bowel habits and associated pain. Narrow stools and then blood samples in the stools are also some symptoms of this disease. This blood can be seen by the individual, but in most cases it is visible only when analyzes are made. An inexplicable lack of appetite or lose of weight are also symptoms of colon cancer. Abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating can also be felt by a patient. Fatigue, weakness, a constant tiredness and the shortness of breath are also considered symptoms of colon cancer.

Discovering colon cancer in an early stage is very important and this is why knowing all the symptoms of the disease is a must. Even if the symptoms usually occur only when the cancer is advanced, some of the early signs can alarm you. Colon cancer can evolve for several years without any symptoms.

And when symptoms appear they vary according to the tumor size and exact location. If the cancer spreads, some other symptoms are going to be felt by the patient. These symptoms are going to vary depending on the location of the secondary metastases.


Colon cancer treatment is established according to the stage of the disease. And these stages are diagnosed depending on the evolution of the cancerous tumor. When the cancer is not yet formed, it is considered to be in stage zero, when it is formed but still in an exact location, the cancer is in stage one. When colon cancer begins affecting the colon wall, the disease is in stage two, while in stage three colon cancer manages to pass the colon wall and starts affecting nearby organs. In stage four which is the most advanced one, colon cancer spreads and affects also the liver, lungs, bones, ovaries or brains.

The tumors can be formed anywhere in the individual’s body and when this happens the cancer is very hard and difficult to cure. This is the main reason why it has to be diagnosed as soon as it was formed and this is why knowing rectal colon cancer symptoms is so important. The best way to cure cancer is to start treatment when it is first formed.