5 Signs of Colon Cancer in Women

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops from growths found in the colon's inner lining. The colon is part of your large intestine, and it's connected to the rectum, where your feces are temporarily stored. Rectal cancer is a disease where cancerous cells develop in the tissues of the rectum. Because of how similar colon and rectal cancer are, these two types of cancer are commonly grouped together as colorectal cancer.

A woman's risk of developing colorectal cancer is slightly lower than a man's. According to the American Cancer Society, the estimated lifetime risk of a woman having this form of cancer is 1 in 26. While it is the third most common cancer, the number of deaths from colorectal cancer has been dropping for several decades due to a rise in colon cancer screenings and improvements in treatment.

Read on to learn more about common colon cancer symptoms in women and how this type of cancer can be detected, diagnosed, and prevented.

Colon cancer symptoms in women

Many people with colon cancer may show no symptoms during the early stages of the disease. When symptoms do appear, they may look different from one person to another, depending on the size of the cancer growth and the location of the growth in the large intestine.

The following are common symptoms of colon cancer that women may experience.

Changes in bowel habits

These bowel habit changes may include diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the frequency of bowel movements. There may also be a difference in the appearance of your stool. For instance, your stool may appear narrower or darker in color due to the presence of blood in it.

Blood in stools

Colon or rectal bleeding is one of the possible symptoms of colorectal cancer. This is sometimes linked to the appearance of bright and fresh blood in stools. However, the blood present in stools may not always be visible. In certain cases, your stool might look normal, and any bleeding in the rectum or colon may only be discovered via a blood test showing a low red blood cell count.

Hemorrhoids can also cause blood in stools. However, this form of bleeding usually comes and goes. On the other hand, colon or rectal bleeding due to cancer is typically persistent and can sometimes worsen. It is also often accompanied by pain.

Shortness of breath and anemia symptoms

Anemia is another warning sign of colon cancer in women. Rectal or colon cancer can lead to anemia due to chronic blood loss and inflammation. Bleeding in colorectal cancers may decrease the number of red blood cells and iron levels in the blood, leading to iron deficiency anemia. Apart from this, the formation of a tumor in the rectum or colon can also lead to inflammation. This reduces the amount of iron available to form red blood cells, further aggravating iron deficiency anemia.

Some symptoms of anemia include the following:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fatigue or weakness
Paleness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Changes in heartbeat
Cold hands and feet

If you experience these symptoms, your doctor can run a blood test to determine whether you have anemia.

Abdominal pain and other digestive disorders

Abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and cramping are other colorectal cancer symptoms. Women with colon cancer may notice worsening or persistent pain and cramps in the abdominal area, which do not dissipate even after a bowel movement. Some people may also experience a sensation of not being able to empty their bowels fully.

For women who have yet to undergo menopause, some symptoms may resemble menstrual issues. For instance, bleeding, cramping, bloating, and abdominal discomfort are symptoms that may appear during menstruation. If you do notice that the pain or discomfort feels different from what's typical or lasts well past your period, it's best to get them evaluated by your doctor.

Unexplained weight loss

Women with colon cancer may experience unexplained weight loss due to several reasons. Abdominal discomfort, bloating, and nausea may cause the individual to lose their appetite. In addition to that, persistent diarrhea or vomiting could lead to a reduction in body weight. The tumor also uses the body's available nutrients to grow and develop. Due to all these reasons, colon cancer can lead to unexplained weight loss.

Colon cancer prevention and risk factors

Women may be at an increased risk of developing colon cancer as they get older. Other risk factors of colorectal cancer include the following:

Having a family history of colon cancer
Having inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
A genetic condition like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
A low-fiber diet, high-fat diet, or a diet rich in processed meats
A lack of physical activity
Being overweight
Consuming alcohol

You can reduce your colon cancer risk by staying physically active. Other lifestyle changes that can help prevent colon cancer include maintaining a healthy weight and adopting a balanced and healthy diet. A diet high in calcium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients, as well as limiting your consumption of red meat, can help you lower your colon cancer risk. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 undergo colon cancer screening. This helps in the early detection of colon cancers, which increases the chances of successful treatment.

Colon cancer diagnosis

There are several ways to diagnose and detect colon cancer. If your doctor suspects that your symptoms point toward colon cancer, they might order a colonoscopy and other tests, such as computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. The colonoscopy may also be performed alongside a biopsy, where the doctor removes a small piece of tissue from the tumor. This biopsy sample will then be sent to the lab, where tests can be performed to determine the stage of cancer and possible treatment options.

Certain blood tests may also be performed to assess whether you have colorectal cancer. For instance, your doctor may run a complete blood count test to measure the levels of different blood cells in your body and determine whether you have anemia. Another test that helps to screen for colorectal cancer is the fecal occult blood test (FOBT).

If you are experiencing any worrying or persistent symptoms, it's always safest to have them assessed by your healthcare professional. Colon cancer is a highly treatable disease, and early intervention increases your chances of successful treatment. Be sure to get regular screening tests, be aware of any family history of colon cancer or colorectal cancer, and monitor any changes in bowel habits and any early signs or symptoms of colon cancer.

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