- Thin, pencil-like stools: This may occur if a tumor is narrowing the intestinal passage.
- Pain during bowel movements (dyschezia): Often associated with rectal cancer.
- Feeling unable to fully empty (tenesmus): A common early sign, especially in rectal cancer.
- Rectal bleeding: More likely when tumors are located in the lower part of the colon.
- Abdominal discomfort: Caused by irritation or inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Fatigue: Frequently linked to anemia from slow, internal blood loss.
Changes in More Advanced (Regional) Colon Cancer
By stage three, colon cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. At this point, bowel changes often become more noticeable as the tumor grows deeper into the intestinal walls: