Introduction
When Colorectal cancer (commonly called “colon cancer”) reaches an advanced stage, the warning signs are often subtle. This is the story of one woman who was diagnosed at Stage 4, and now she’s speaking out—telling others not to ignore 5 key symptoms she initially dismissed. Her message: pay attention to your body, even when it seems like “just a stomach issue.”
Why This Matters
Colon cancer affects both men and women, and while it’s more common in older adults, younger people are increasingly at risk. Cleveland Clinic+2Centre de recherche sur le cancer+2 Because early symptoms can mimic other benign conditions—intestinal upset, menstrual cramps, hemorrhoids—many delay seeking care. For women, especially, some symptoms may be misinterpreted as gynecological or digestive issues. MD Anderson Cancer Center+1 A Stage 4 diagnosis means the cancer has spread beyond the colon, significantly reducing survival odds—so recognizing warning signs early is critical.
5 Symptoms She Ignored (But You Shouldn’t)
Here are five common yet easily overlooked symptoms of colon cancer in women:
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Change in bowel habits — persistent or new onset constipation, diarrhea, or narrowing of stool. Cancer.org+1
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Rectal bleeding or blood in stool — bright red or very dark (tar-like) blood merits evaluation. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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