A Guide to Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Males

The symptoms of colon cancer in males are generally the same as those in females. Symptoms can include bloody stool, abdominal pain, and more. Contacting your doctor if you notice symptoms that could indicate colon cancer can aid in a prompt diagnosis. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed Trusted Source World Health Organization Highly respected international organization Go to source cancer worldwide. Though males receive colon cancer diagnoses at a slightly higher rate Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source than females, the lifetime risk for both males and females is similar.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms of colon cancer in males, risk factors, and treatments.

Colon cancer symptoms in males are typically the same as symptoms in females. People can easily miss the symptoms of colon cancer or mistake them for other conditions, making it harder to detect.

While any of the symptoms listed below could indicate colon cancer, experiencing them does not necessarily mean you have the disease.

• Blood in your stool: Blood in your stool can cause it to be dark brown, black, or tarry. You may also notice bright red blood when wiping.
• Abdominal symptoms: Some people may experience pain, cramping, or bloating in their abdomen. Vomiting, sudden unexplained weight loss, or a feeling that your bowels are not completely empty may also occur. 
• Changes in bowel habits: Narrow stools, diarrhea, and constipation can all be symptoms of colon cancer. You may also find yourself going to the bathroom more or less frequently than usual.
• Anemia: Anemia, or low red blood cell counts, may occur due to bleeding from polyps or cancer.
• Fatigue: Being consistently more tired than usual may indicate colon cancer.
• Jaundice: Some people may notice yellowing of the whites of their eyes and their skin.

In addition, nausea and vomiting may occur with colon cancer. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with your doctor.

Risk factors for colon cancer include: 

• Overweight and obesity: Those with a higher body mass index may have Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source a higher chance of developing certain cancers, including colon cancer. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity can also contribute. 
• Use of tobacco and alcohol: Smoking cigarettes and moderate to heavy drinking can increase your risk of colon cancer. 
• Dietary factors: A diet high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables may increase Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source the likelihood of colorectal cancer.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: People with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may have a higher chance of developing colon cancer. 
• Hereditary risk factors: Certain hereditary conditions — such as Lynch syndrome, MYH-associated polyposis, or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome — can predispose someone to colon cancer.

If you notice any symptoms that commonly link with colon cancer, contact your doctor. Blood in the stool particularly can mean that it is important to talk with them. 

Experts usually advise adults to begin regular colon cancer screenings at 45 years old Trusted Source Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Governmental authority Go to source . If you have certain risk factors, such as a first-degree relative with a history of colon cancer or advanced colon polyps, your doctor may suggest you start screenings sooner.

Since colon cancer is often slow-growing with few symptoms, routine screenings are important in detecting and treating cancer early. Screenings may include:

• colonoscopy
• stool tests
• sigmoidoscopy
• CT colonography

Learn more about prevention and early detection of colon cancer.

If doctors detect colon cancer early and it is just in the bowel, it is typically highly treatable and curable. Depending on the location and extent of the cancer’s spread, treatment may include:

• surgery
• radiation therapy
• chemotherapy
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapy

Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments based on your diagnosis. 

Learn more about colon cancer treatment.

Due to its frequent lack of distinguishable symptoms and slow growth rate, colon cancer can be challenging to detect. Regular colon cancer screenings are imperative for an early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Talk with your doctor about regular screenings for colon cancer.