Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen
Abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and cramps)
Intestinal obstruction
Weight loss with no known reason
Stools narrower than usual
Constant tiredness
These signs and symptoms can be caused by cancer or by a number of other conditions. It is important to talk to your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms and to screen for colon cancer even if you don't. If the polyps that lead to the cancer are detected and removed, colon cancer can often be prevented. If colon cancer is detected early, it is up to 90% curable.
This article was last reviewed on May 7, 2008.
This article was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
The modified date indicates that one or more changes were made to the article. Such changes may or may not result from a full review of the article, so the two dates may not always agree.