Colon Polyps and Cancer: Risk Factors and Symptoms

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

You have an increased risk ok developing colon cancer if:

• There is a history of colon cancer in your immediate family, especially if the relative is 60 years or younger.
• There is a personal history of colon polyps or, for women, a history of uterine or ovarian cancer before the age of 50.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The symptoms of colon cancer may vary and may be vague. This is one reason screening tests are so important.

• Symptoms of advanced colon cancer may include:
• Change in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding
• Cramping and abdominal pain and/or a feeling of fullness that is not relieved by having a bowel movement.

Some people with colon cancer have no symptoms. Since colon cancer is so common and symptoms of colon cancer vary greatly, screening is important.

This information has been approved by Luette Morton, MD (October 2009).