Colon Cancer Can Be Silent: 7 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—if detected early. The challenge is that early symptoms can be subtle, mistaken for IBS, stress, hemorrhoids, or “normal” digestive changes. In this video, I explain the early warning signs that should not be ignored, including: Persistent change in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or alternating patterns) Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding Iron deficiency anemia (especially in men and postmenopausal women) Unexplained weight loss Feeling of incomplete emptying / rectal pressure Persistent bloating or gas with no clear trigger Most importantly: early colon cancer may cause no symptoms, which is why screening is essential. Major guidelines recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for average-risk adults, with earlier screening for higher-risk individuals. USPSTF +2 Cancer.org +2 Educational only—this content does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist for weeks or you notice bleeding, seek medical evaluation. For more evidence-based wellness and functional medicine education, subscribe, and turn on notifications.