Colon Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

The most common symptoms of colon cancer are a change in bowel habits – such as diarrhea or constipation – or blood in the stool. In some cases, colon cancer may not cause symptoms right away.

Other symptoms of colon cancer may include:

Abdominal pain or cramping.
Frequent gas pain or bloating.
Narrow stools that do not go away after a few days.
Weight loss for no known reason.
Feeling very tired or weak.
Vomiting.

How is colon cancer diagnosed?

Many colon cancers are found after symptoms appear. Early-stage colon cancers are usually found during colon cancer screenings, as most people with early stage disease do not have any symptoms.

If your doctor suspects you have colon cancer, he or she may conduct a physical exam and ask about your medical history as well as your family medical history. Your doctor may also ask you to go in for diagnostic tests, such as blood or imaging tests.

If test results show you may have cancer, you will likely undergo a colonoscopy. Your doctor will also take a biopsy. During this procedure, we will remove a tiny piece of tissue from the colon or polyp, and a pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

FACT Accredited

Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute is proud that our Blood & Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Program is fully FACT Accredited for stem cell transplants and cellular therapies.

This accreditation means we are certified to perform stem cell transplants and cellular therapies such as CAR T-cell therapies within our Institute. Additionally, this recognition allows our team to obtain full insurance coverage for these procedures from all providers. For more information on FACT Accreditation, you can visit the foundation’s website.

Best Cancer Hospital

Miami Cancer Institute was recognized as a top 3 Best Cancer Hospital in the South Florida region and one of America’s Best Hospitals for performing Lung Cancer Surgery and Colon Cancer Surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Have questions?

We're here to help answer any questions you or your family may have.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

How is colon cancer diagnosed?

FACT Accredited

Best Cancer Hospital

Language Preference / Preferencia de idioma