According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Colorectal cancer occurs when the disease originates in the colon and spreads to the rectum and the gastrointestinal tract. Knowing the early warning signs and helping your doctor diagnose this disease in the initial stage significantly improves post-treatment health. There are also treatment options and medications available through a doctor, such as Opdivo, Yervoy , Clonoseq, and Qinlock.

Here are five early warning signs of colon cancer to look out for.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss
As with the case of most cancers, unexplained weight loss can indicate the presence of colon cancer. The abnormal mass of cells in a tumor eats up energy and nutrients your body essentially needs. It can thus reduce fat reserves in the body and make you feel tired also. In the later stages of cancer growth, vitamin and mineral deficiency symptoms are present as well. If you notice rapid weight loss and other colon cancer symptoms, do not forget to talk to your doctor immediately.

2. Change in Bowel Habits
Since the colon is the main organ to be affected, it is not surprising to notice abnormal bowel movements. It is, however, important to emphasize that there is no universal “normal” for stools. Your doctor will likely ask how your normal stools look—size, color, and consistency—and compare the current changes to these typical patterns. Diarrhea and constipation may also occur alternatively. Constipation might be because of tumors obstructing the free passage of stools, and this back-up of contents causes diarrhea.

3. Rectal Bleeding
Apart from changes in consistency and patterns of using the bathroom, rectal bleeding is also a typical feature of colon cancer in patients in the early stages. Tumors in the colon can cause bleeding making the stools appear darker, but the consistency of stools is normal. The continued loss of blood can lead to anemia. One of the first diagnostic tests of colon cancer is a blood test that reveals a low red blood cell count.

4. Fatigue
The anemia can also result in fatigue. The tiredness and other symptoms like weight loss and the eating up of vital nutrients by the tumor can make colon cancer patients highly exhausted. Simple activities might wear you out, and when there is no other logical cause, it is wise to consult a physician.

5. Abdominal Discomfort
Abdominal pain and cramping occur in a lot of colon cancer patients. The buildup of abnormal cells can put pressure on other organs as well. Excess gas and bloating are also present in people with cancer in the large intestine. Some dietary triggers like dairy, fiber and carbonated drinks can aggravate the discomfort, and those with digestive disorders, like inflammatory bowel disease, suffer more. Tenesmus, or the feeling of having to use the bathroom, even after you have had a bowel movement, may also trouble you in the initial phases.