Symptoms of colon cancer in men
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Men
Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Men
Rectal Bleeding and Blood in Stool
One of the most specific symptoms of colon cancer in men is rectal bleeding. This symptom has a high specificity and is often a strong indicator of colorectal cancer. Additionally, the presence of blood in the stool, detected through fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), is another significant symptom that can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding and potential colon cancer.
Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Men with colon cancer often experience abdominal pain, particularly in the lower part of the abdomen. This pain can be persistent and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating and abdominal distension . These symptoms, while less specific than rectal bleeding, are still important indicators of potential colon cancer.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Changes in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stool consistency, are common symptoms of colon cancer in men. These changes can be persistent and may indicate a blockage or other issues caused by a tumor in the colon .
Unexplained Weight Loss and Decreased Appetite
Unexplained weight loss and a decreased appetite are also symptoms associated with colon cancer. These symptoms can occur due to the body's response to the cancer and the metabolic demands of the tumor .
Anemia
Anemia, often resulting from chronic blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract, is another symptom of colon cancer. This can lead to fatigue and weakness, which are common complaints among men with this condition .
Less Specific Symptoms
General Abdominal Symptoms
General abdominal symptoms such as bloating, distension, and discomfort are less specific but still relevant. These symptoms can be indicative of various gastrointestinal issues, including colon cancer.
Tiredness and Fatigue
Tiredness and fatigue are general symptoms that can be associated with many conditions, including colon cancer. These symptoms often result from anemia or the body's overall response to the cancer.
Conclusion
Colon cancer in men presents with a variety of symptoms, some of which are more specific than others. Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, and anemia are among the most common and significant symptoms. Early detection and awareness of these symptoms can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, improving the chances of successful outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic