We’ve discussed several colon cancer symptoms already. First we’ve talked about the change in bowel movement, and then there’s brief explanation on constipation, and this time our colon cancer symptoms explained is: Diarrhea, or perhaps constipation with diarrhea.

For most people, diarrhea isn’t really something to be worried about. However, this must change if you are having a frequent, intermittent or chronic diarrhea. It is important for you to get diagnosed immediately with your doctor, since there is a possibility that your chronic diarrhea might be one of the colon cancer symptoms.

Colon Cancer Symptoms – Diarrhea and Its Causes

As I told you before, it’s not always a sign of cancer. In fact, in most cases it’s caused by minor problems. Some common causes of diarrhea is food poisoning, food allergies, medications, and viruses or bacteria that are passed from person to person. These causes usually get you diarrhea, but not a chronic and frequent one. If you are having a frequent and chronic diarrhea, this could means that there’s something serious happening in your digestive system, for instance, colon cancer or other disease such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Diarrhea is basically caused by the disrupted process of absorbing water, just like in constipation. The difference is that in diarrhea your colon absorbs too litle water, resulting a more liquid than normal stool.

If you are having a diarrhea ONLY, this might be caused by other problems than the colon cancer. But when you are having a diarrhea and other possible colon cancer symptoms such as blood in the stools, bloating and cramps, you should really go to your doctor.

You might want to read the main article about the colon cancer symptoms and signs to find out more about this.

Colon Cancer Symptoms – When to see doctor

See Your Doctor If…

1. Your diarrhea has lasted for more than two weeks; it could be on and off or present the entire time
2. You see blood in or on your stool
3. You are vomiting
4. You have persistent cramps or severe pain
5. You experience alternating constipation and diarrhea
6. You have unexplained weight loss (losing weight when you are not trying)

Colon Cancer Symptoms – Importance of Checking the Symptom

In most cases of colon cancer, the sooner you are diagnosed, the higher survival rates. According to some studies, the survival rate for people who are diagnosed in the earliest stages is 90% . Unfortunately, if you are late in getting the diagnose, the colon cancer could be more advanced and could spread beyond the colon

When you see your doctor, he or she might ask for a stool sample for infections test. Other test such as screening exam called colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy might also be conducted to determine and confirm whether your diarrhea is a colon cancer symptoms. Follow the link provided for a full list of colon cancer symptoms screening test