Colon Cancer Symptoms and Stages

4. Stage I symptoms

Stage 1 colon cancer moves beyond the inner lining of the colon or rectum to the submucosa or even the muscle layer of the colon wall. This is early-stage cancer and has a high cure rate. During stage 1, individuals may still experience no symptoms, which is why annual colonoscopies are so crucial in folks over 45. But it's also around this stage that you may start to experience belly cramps or pain, excess gas, changes in stool shape or color, rectal bleeding, blood in stool, constipation, or diarrhea.

Monitor your symptoms or changes in bowel patterns, and if they occur for longer than a week or two, make an appointment with your GP.