Know the Signs: Early Detection of Colon and Bowel Cancer Saves Lives

Know the Signs: Early Detection of Colon and Bowel Cancer Saves Lives

An Awareness Guide from Beat Cancer Foundation

Colon cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is one of the most common—and preventable—types of cancer worldwide. At Beat Cancer Foundation, we believe early detection of cancer saves lives, and awareness is the first step toward prevention and treatment. Understanding the symptoms of colon cancer and knowing how they may appear differently in men and women can make all the difference.

What Are Bowel Cancer Symptoms?

Bowel cancer symptoms can be subtle and are often mistaken for other digestive issues. Some of the most common signs include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms consistently for more than a few weeks, it’s essential to speak with your doctor.

Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The early symptoms of colon canceroften go unnoticed or are attributed to lifestyle or dietary changes. These can include:

• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Narrow or pencil-thin stools
• Mild, persistent cramping or gas
• Unexplained anemia (low red blood cell count)

Catching these early signs of colon cancer can significantly improve outcomes, which is why routine screenings and paying attention to your body are so important.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Women

Signs of colon cancer in women can sometimes differ slightly due to hormonal differences and how women experience pain or discomfort. Some symptoms of colon cancer in women may include:

• Ongoing fatigue despite rest
• Pelvic pain (sometimes misdiagnosed as gynecological issues)
• Changes in menstrual cycles (in rare cases)
• Frequent bloating or discomfort that doesn’t go away

Women are sometimes less likely to associate these symptoms with colon cancer, making education and regular screening critical.

Signs of Colon Cancer in Men

While men often share similar symptoms, signs of colon cancer in men may also present as:

• Increased abdominal pressure
• Noticeable changes in stool color or consistency
• Persistent urge to have a bowel movement, even after going

Because these symptoms can mimic common digestive issues, men may delay seeking help—sometimes until the cancer has progressed.

Why Early Detection Matters

We can’t emphasize this enough: early detection of cancer saves lives. Colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early, often before symptoms become severe. Routine colonoscopies and at-home screening tests can detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers long before they spread.

If you're over 45 or have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about screening options. And if you're experiencing any symptoms - no matter your age - don’t wait.

Take Action Now

At Beat Cancer Foundation, we’re committed to empowering people with life-saving information and access to early detection tools - because early detection of cancer saves lives.

We’ve partnered with OncoSure Testing to launch OncoSure™, a revolutionary cancer screening test that detects all human cancers - even in their earliest, pre-symptomatic stages - with just a simple blood draw. Results are delivered within 24 hours after the lab receives the specimen, making this the most advanced, non-invasive cancer screening available today.

"Prevention and early detection are our best weapons against cancer," says David A. Caravantes, Executive Director. "With OncoSure™, we're giving people the power to act before it's too late."

Learn more, get screened, and help us beat cancer at www.beatcancerfoundation.org/oncosure

Stay informed. Get screened. Beat cancer.