What Does Colon Cancer Pain Feel Like?

Most people with colon cancer do not feel any pain in the early stages. However, as tumors (abnormal pieces of tissue) grow or the cancer spreads to nearby tissues or organs, some people may experience pain in more than one area of ​​the body. This may include abdominal cramps, back pain, or pressure and discomfort in the rectum, the last part of the large intestine.

Colon cancer pain varies depending on the location of the tumor and whether the cancer has grown or spread. Symptoms can be vague and are often confused with other common conditionssuch as food intolerance, stress or menstrual cramps. Pain that doesn’t go away or cramps that get worse over time may be a sign that something is happening to your colon (the large intestine).

Colon cancer can cause abdominal pain or discomfort that resembles:

• A dull, painful feeling that comes and goes
• Cramps that don’t go away
• A strong urge to have a bowel movement that does not improve after using the toilet

Some people also experience lower back pain that may feel like a deep ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. Unlike back pain due to muscle tension, cancer-related back pain does not improve with rest or changes in position and may worsen at night or in the morning, and improve with movement.

Other colon cancer symptoms to watch for include:

• Changes in stool (pooping), such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools
• Feeling like your intestines aren’t empty after a bowel movement
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in stools or on toilet paper after wiping
• Fatigue
• Bloating or persistent feeling of abdominal fullness

Colon cancer pain can vary depending on the size and location of the tumors. Larger tumors often cause more noticeable pain and discomfort. Several factors can make colon cancer painful, including:

• Tumors putting pressure on nearby tissues, nerves or organs
• Tumors that prevent the colon from removing waste, leading to cramps, bloating, or a feeling of fullness
• Cancer spreading to other organs or parts of the body, such as the liver or bones
• Inflammation of the tissues around the tumor irritates nearby muscles or nerves

Everyone experiences colon cancer pain differently. How you feel depends on the size of the tumor, its location, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

For example, cancer that spreads to the liver may cause pain in the upper abdomen or shoulder. When it spreads to the bones, we speak of bone metastasesthis can cause deep, constant pain that often gets worse at night.