Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, develops in the large intestine, the terminal part of the digestive tract. A cancerous tumor arises from the inner walls of the large intestine. This cancer is the third most common type of cancer in males and the fourth in females in the country. Colon cancer usually begins as a small and noncancerous clump of cells known as polyps that are formed inside of the colon. Here are some early warning symptoms and causes of colon cancer.

Early symptoms of colon cancer
Most cancers in the rectum or colon develop from the polyps. The screening helps in preventing the polyps from growing into cancers. Early warning signs and symptoms of colon cancer are rectal bleeding, bloody stools, diarrhea, change in bowel habits, constipation, unusually ribbon-like stools, bloating, discomfort and cramps in the abdomen, tenesmus, anemia due to iron deficiency, sudden and unexplained weight loss, change in stool consistency. fatigue and weakness, vomiting and nausea, sudden loss of appetite, jaundice, watery and loose stools, swelling of feet and hands, paleness in the skin, difficulty in breathing, blurry eyesight, fractures, and excessive gastric discomfort.

These are a few early signs and symptoms of colon or colorectal cancer.

Causes of colorectal cancer
There is no known cause for colon cancer. But there are possible risk factors that may increase the chances of developing colon cancer. Here are some of the risk factors:

1. Inflammation in the intestine
Chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the colon like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increase the chances of colorectal cancer.

2. High – fat diet
High-calorie and low fiber diet is known to be associated with the cancer of colon and rectal.

3. Inactiveness
Sedentary lifestyle and inactiveness are known to increase the chances of developing colon cancer.

4. Smoking and alcohol
People who smoke and drink alcohol are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

5. Obesity
Obese people are at an increased risk of developing and dying from colon cancer.

6. Family history
Family medical history plays an important role. It is more likely that you will develop colon cancer if any blood relative is suffering from it.  

7. Radiation therapies
Radiation therapies that are done in the abdomen to treat cancer or any other diseases can increase the chances of developing colon cancer.

These are the early warning symptoms of colon cancer and its associated risk factors. Symptoms of colorectal cancer vary in the early stages of the disease. Many people experience either some of the mentioned symptoms or no symptoms at all. Certain risk factors like age, family history, etc., are not preventable whereas lifestyle factors can be avoided to some extent. Regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, eating fibrous food, and limiting calorie intake are known to prevent colon cancer.