How I Knew I Had Colon Cancer And How Long Does A Colonoscopy Take?

Short Answer: Many individuals realize they may have colon cancer when they experience persistent or concerning symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms may initially seem minor, but they often persist or worsen—prompting medical testing and diagnosis.

The First Signs: What I Felt, What I Ignored

I thought I was just tired. Between work, stress, and parenting, feeling bloated or gassy after a meal didn’t seem like a big deal. I noticed small changes—like going to the bathroom more often, or sometimes less, and my stools looked thinner than usual. But I wrote it off.

Then came the moment I couldn’t explain away: bright red blood in the stool. That’s when I booked a primary care visit with Dr. Syra Hanif at Manhattan Medical Arts. I figured it was hemorrhoids. Turns out, it was stage 1 colon cancer—caught early, thanks to that appointment.

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What Are the Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer when it includes rectal cancer, can develop slowly—often starting as colon polyps. The early symptoms may feel more like digestive annoyances than red flags.

Here’s what many colon cancer patients report:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

• Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both)

• Abdominal pain, bloating, or cramping

• Unexplained weight loss or losing weight without trying

• Fatigue, linked to anemia or internal bleeding

• Narrow or ribbon-like stool

• A feeling of incomplete bowel movement

Symptoms can vary based on the tumor’s location in the large bowel or large intestine. Don’t dismiss the signs—many people delay care because they assume it’s irritable bowel syndrome or diet-related.

Diagnosing Colon Cancer: Tests That Catch It Early

Many cases of colon cancer are detected through colorectal cancer screening—often before symptoms even appear. That’s why early detection is lifesaving.

Common diagnostic methods include:

• Colonoscopy: an outpatient procedure using a flexible tube to view the bowel wall and remove precancerous polyps

• Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): detects blood in stool

• Sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography: evaluates parts of the digestive system

• Biopsy: confirms cancer through tissue analysis

• MRI scans and CT scans: assess tumor size and spread to lymph nodes or blood vessels

👩‍⚕️ At Manhattan Medical Arts, our medical team provides guidance on choosing the right screening. Dr. Hanif regularly helps patients navigate concerns about colon cancer risk, even when symptoms seem minor.

Colon cancer screening is essential for both early diagnosis and prevention. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, a routine colon cancer screening can identify changes before they become life-threatening.

Who Is at Risk? Understanding the Risk Factors

Colon cancer affects both men and women—especially older adults, but younger people are being diagnosed more often.

Major colon cancer risk factors include:

• Family history or personal history of colorectal cancer

• Inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

• Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis

• High fat diet, drinking alcohol, and lack of activity

• Obesity, smoking, and low healthy weight

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.

You’re considered average risk if you have no personal or family history—but screening is still recommended starting at age 45.

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What Stage Was I In? The Role of Early Diagnosis

I was lucky. My cancer was found early—stage 1—and hadn’t spread to lymph nodes or organs. Early stage symptoms like mine (bloating, fatigue, blood in stool) are easy to overlook.

If caught early, most colon cancers can be removed with colorectal surgery alone, often without the need for further treatment like chemotherapy.

Late-stage colon cancer (stage 3 or 4) may involve:

• Bowel obstruction

• Severe weight loss, vomiting, or ongoing abdominal pain

• Spread to the liver or lungs (metastasis)

Prevention Starts with Awareness

Steps for colon cancer prevention:

• Get regular screenings (especially if you’re average risk or over 45)

• Stay at a healthy weight and be active

• Avoid a high fat diet and limit alcohol

• Quit smoking

• Discuss risks if you have inflammatory bowel disease

Routine colon cancer screening can identify benign polyps and remove them before they turn cancerous. Many cancer screening methods today are non-invasive and accessible.

FAQs: What Patients Often Ask

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Final Thought

If something feels off—whether it’s abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel movement, or unexplained fatigue—don’t ignore it. Early detection doesn’t just save lives. It gives you options.

Manhattan Medical Arts is here for early care, diagnosis, and follow-up. Book your appointment today with Dr. Syra Hanif and get peace of mind through knowledge, support, and action.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• American Cancer Society

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

• NIH Colorectal Cancer Updates

• JAMA: Trends in Colorectal Cancer Incidence

Disclaimer
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.