By EKalman October 20, 2021 - 4:28am

You probably think that colon cancer is rare and tends to affect older people, but in reality, it’s an extremely common disease. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer among women and men in the United States. The risk for this type of cancer is identical for each gender. And colorectal cancer is a disease that can affect women as well.

Colon cancer manifests itself in women the same way it does in men, however, there are some nuances. For instance, some symptoms might be confused with gynecological symptoms, like cramping and bloating.

Though it’s essential to know your personal risks, more than 75 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer have no known risk factors. Here are some known factors that increase your risk of colon cancer:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- A family history of an inherited genetic syndrome, such as Lynch syndrome
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Personal or family history of certain polyps
- A parent or child diagnosed with colon cancer or a relative diagnosed under age 50
- A diagnosis of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
- Being overweight or obese
- A diet low in fiber, vegetables, and fruits
- Consuming red and processed meats

Although colorectal cancer might be symptomless, especially in the early stages, it’s still important to know some of its symptoms in women.

1. Rectal bleeding
The first thing people think of when they see blood in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper post-wiping is that it's caused by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your rectum that can itch and bleed. Rectal bleeding is never normal. It can definitely be caused by hemorrhoids, however, the only way to know for sure is by an exam.

What’s more, it’s possible to have both hemorrhoids and colon cancer. If your hemorrhoids don’t get better with treatment, consider talking to your healthcare provider about a colonoscopy.

2. Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which a person has a low red blood cell count. In colon cancer, anemia occurs due to internal bleeding. It’s often one of the early signs of colorectal cancer. Some women are told that their anemia is linked to their menstrual period and that they shouldn’t worry about it. That can cause a delay in diagnosis.

3. Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
People often think their fatigue is caused by a lack of sleep and weight loss is the result of constant stress, but you need to discuss these changes with your healthcare provider. Chronic fatigue and unexplained weight loss often accompany cancers.

4. Change in bowel habits
Your body loves routine. Once you’re set in your patterns, it usually shouldn’t change. If you notice something different, talk to your healthcare provider.

These changes include diarrhea, constipation that lingers or going from having a bowel movement once a day to four times a day. It’s also important to look out for pencil- or pen-like stools. This could indicate a tumor that’s squeezing or partially blocking the colon, leading to a thinner stool.

5. Cramping or abdominal pain
Don’t ignore these two symptoms. Though they’re non-specific and can be caused by a variety of conditions, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to them. When women experience stomach symptoms, sometimes it’s assumed that it’s caused by a gynecological problem rather than a gastrointestinal issue. Alternate explanations given might be menstrual cramps, fibroids, adenomyosis, or even endometriosis.

If you’re experiencing abdominal pain and cramps that you know are not associated with your cycle, or if these pains are new, see your healthcare provider for an exam and possibly a colonoscopy.