Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer type in the U.S. In fact, 140,000 of the people diagnosed with cancer in 2016 were diagnosed with ether rectal or colon cancer. However, due to the fact that the symptoms of colorectal cancer are very subtle, the disease itself often goes undetected until it`s too late.

Top 5 overlooked symptoms of colon cancer

1. Cramps
Abdominal cramps are a symptom of many conditions not linked to cancer, so this is the reason why it`s usually overlooked as a possible sign of colorectal cancer. Still, don`t freak out every time you feel pain in the stomach.

Intense and long-lasting stomach cramps and pain can be a major indicator of colorectal cancer, so consult your doctor in case they don`t seem to be going away

2. Fatigue
These days, many people feel fatigue without any reason, as lack of sleep is very common in modern society.

But, constant fatigue, even when eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep, shouldn’t be ignored. Colon cancer causes fatigue for two reasons:  it utilizes the body`s energy and it may cause blood loss.

3. Sudden weight loss
Most cancer causes sudden and unexplained weight loss, including colon cancer. Unexplained weight loss is the loss of 5 percent of total body weight within 6 months.

For example, if you weigh 150 pounds and you lose 7 and a half pounds within 6 months is considered as unexplained weight loss.

This happens because the cancer uses body’s energy, and the immune system has to works hard to prevent the disease from spreading. Consequently, the person experiences a weight loss due to this energy expenditure..

In cases of colon cancer, the tumor may block the colon, which affects the bowel movement and causes unexplained weight loss.

4. Irregular bowel movement
Many people do not pay much attention to their bowel movement.  There are many health conditions which can indicate the appearance, consistency, and timing of it, including the presence of colorectal cancer. Colon polyps turn into tumors that affect bowel movements as well as the function of the large intestines, reflecting the changes found in the stool.

If the changes are not caused by other ailments, diarrhea, constipation, watery and loose stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer

5. Bloody stool
Most people feel too embarrassed to talk about this issue, which is one of the reasons why colon cancer often goes undetected.

Sometimes the blood in the stool may become too dark to notice, unless it is fully examined. Both bloody stool and bleeding from the rectum may be indicative to colon and rectal cancer. So, if you notice red blood on the toilet paper after wiping or reddish water in the toilet bowel, get checked.

Reduce the risk of colorectal cancer
You can introduce a few changes in your lifestyle to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Here are a few of them:

Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains
Eating healthy will help you reduce the risk of colon cancer. Avoid red and processed meats.

Regular Exercise 
Regular workout also reduces the risk of colon cancer, so make sure you are physically active more often.

Stop smoking 
Smoking causes several types of cancers, which includes colon cancer as well.

Limit your alcohol intake
Experts from the American Cancer Society say that excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of cancer. Limit your alcohol intake to two drinks a day, because heavy drinking has been linked to colon cancer development.

Control your weight
Obese people have a poor immune system, and they are more prone to developing numerous diseases, including colon cancer. This also increases the number of death cases caused by cancer, because an overweight body cannot respond properly and fight back.

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