Most people with colon cancer do not feel pain in the early stages. However, as tumors (abnormal lumps of tissue) grow or the cancer spreads to nearby tissues or organs, some people may experience pain in multiple areas of the body. This may include abdominal cramping, back pain, or pressure and discomfort in the rectum, the last part of the large intestine.
Colon cancer pain varies depending on tumor location and whether the cancer has grown or spread. Symptoms can be vague and are often mistaken for other common conditions, such as food intolerance, stress, or menstrual cramps. Pain that doesn’t go away or cramping that worsens over time can be a sign that something is going on with your colon (the large intestine).
Colon cancer may cause abdominal pain or discomfort that feels like:
- A dull, aching sensation 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 bathroom
Some people also experience lower back pain that may feel like a deep ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. Unlike back pain from muscle strain, cancer-related back pain does not improve with rest or changes in position and may feel worse at night or in the morning, and improves with movement.
Other colon cancer symptoms to watch for include:
- Changes in stool (poop), such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools
- Feeling like your bowels are not empty after a bowel movement
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in the stool or on toilet paper after wiping
- Fatigue
- Bloating or a persistent feeling of abdominal fullness
Colon cancer pain can vary, depending on the size and location of tumors. Bigger tumors often cause more noticeable pain and discomfort. Several things can make colon cancer painful, including:
- Tumors pressing on nearby tissues, nerves, or organs
- Tumors that block the colon from passing waste, leading to cramping, bloating, or a feeling of fullness
- Cancer spreading to other organs or body parts, like the liver or bones
- Inflammation in the tissues around the tumor irritates nearby muscles or nerves
Everyone experiences colon cancer pain differently. How it feels depends on the tumor’s size, location, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
For example, cancer that spreads to the liver can cause pain in the upper abdomen or shoulder. When it spreads to the bones, known as bone metastases, it can cause deep, constant aching that often worsens at night.
