Colon cancer is among the most prevalent and deadly types of cancer worldwide, often developing silently and remaining undetected until its later stages. While many are aware of traditional symptoms like rectal bleeding and persistent abdominal pain, there are several lesser-known, unusual signs of colon cancer that often go unnoticed. Early detection is critical for effective treatment, so recognizing these uncommon symptoms could be life-saving.
1. Persistent Unexplained Fatigue: More Than Just Tiredness
Feeling tired from time to time is normal, but chronic fatigue without a clear cause is a red flag. In the case of colon cancer, this fatigue is often caused by internal blood loss—a slow bleed in the colon that may not be visibly detectable in stools. As the cancerous growth bleeds over time, it can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which reduces oxygen flow to the body’s tissues and leaves individuals feeling drained even after a full night’s rest.
Unlike typical fatigue, this kind doesn’t improve with rest or sleep and often worsens over time. Many people mistake this symptom for burnout or aging, which can delay diagnosis and reduce the chances of successful treatment.
2. Narrow or Ribbon-Like Stools: A Subtle Yet Telling Sign
Stool shape and consistency offer important insights into digestive health. One overlooked warning sign of colon cancer is a persistent change in stool shape, particularly thin, narrow, or ribbon-like stools. This change may indicate that a tumor is partially obstructing the colon, preventing the normal passage of waste.
