Colon Cancer Symptoms in Women vs. Men: What’s the Difference?

oncare team
Updated on Jul 23, 2025 16:20 IST

By Raveena M Prakash

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths across the world. This type of cancer won’t appear the same in any other cancer cases. While both men and women are at risk, colon cancer symptoms in women can subtly differ from men. It often leads to delayed diagnosis in one gender over the other. 

In this article, we’ll look more into the common symptoms, why gender matters in this cancer, and what the screening recommendations are for both genders.

Why does gender matter in colon cancer?

According to many studies, the colon and rectum function the same in both genders. The biological and hormonal differences can influence how cancer develops in men vs. women. Estrogen is one of the hormones that plays a key role in women’s lives. This hormone often delays the onset of symptoms or changes the way it appears. Meanwhile, men, on the other hand, might experience more classic gastrointestinal signs earlier.

Common symptoms of colon cancer

This type of cancer can develop in people without showing any major symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may not be sure if changes in your body are signs of colon cancer, and then it's because cancer symptoms are similar to less serious health conditions.

Here are some of the common symptoms of colon cancer.

These may include:

  • Continuous abdominal pain or cramps
  • Blood in the stool (poops)
  • Experiencing rectal bleeding
  • Changes in bowel changes 
  • Diarrehea
  • Constipation
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Experiencing incomplete bowel movements

However, in most cases, how and when these types of symptoms start to appear can vary in both genders.

Symptoms in Women

In Women, they might experience more subtle or misdiagnosed symptoms due to hormonal cycles and overlapping signs with several gynaecological issues.

Key Differences in Female Symptoms

Here are some of the key differences in female symptoms experienced in these types of cancer.

These may include:

  • Experiencing bloating and gas: These symptoms are often mistaken for menstrual symptoms or irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Pelvic discomfort: Women might experience lower abdominal pain, which is quite similar to menstrual cramps. 
  • iron-deficiency anemia: In menstruating women, they might experience internal bleeding. This often happens if the cancer is developing. 
  • Unusual fatigue: This sign can often be dismissed as any normal hormonal change or lifestyle-related fatigue.

In most cases, women report delays in diagnosis because their symptoms are mistaken for common female health conditions such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts.

Symptoms in Men

Men tend to experience symptoms like gastrointestinal-specific signs and usually get diagnosed until the cancer has reached its advanced stages.

Key differences in Male Symptoms

Here are some key differences in men's symptoms experienced in these types of cancer.

These may include:

  • Experiencing rectal bleeding: These signs are alarming, and never ignore these signs
  • Blood in the stool: This is potentially a warning sign, consult your doctor immediately. 
  • Change in the bowel habits: Most men experience these signs continuously. 
  • Sudden weight loss and loss of appetite: Experiencing a loss of weight without even trying can be a sign of cancer developing in the body. 

Most of the time, men ignore most of the early signs, which causes a delayed diagnosis leading to an advanced-stage diagnosis.

Screening recommendations in men vs. women

  • According to the American Cancer Society, it suggests that men and women above the ages of 45 need to be screened for colon cancer diagnosis.
  • Whether there is a family history or risk factors, then you should get screened without any delay. 
  • If you belong to a high-risk group or have any genetic risk, such as Lynch syndrome, you should perform it every 10 years or earlier for those with symptoms.
  • Performing a FIT test (stool based screening) is considered as a less invasive option.
  • When comparing women and men, women tend to get more preventive care due to gynecological visits, while men may need more encouragement to seek regular colon screenings.

Why does recognizing Gender-based symptoms matter?

Many studies have claimed that if you fail to recognize gender-specific differences, that can result in a delayed diagnosis. Women are often treated for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or anemia without colonoscopy. However, in men most of the time, they often ignore the symptoms of this cancer due to the fear of uncertainty or negligence.

Consult Today

Colon cancer doesn’t have any biases when it comes to gender. This type of cancer can affect both genders, not in the same way as other types of cancer. While understanding the gender-specific symptoms can identify this type of cancer in its early stages. If you are experiencing any type of symptoms, then don’t wait any longer until it reaches severe stages. If you observe any signs, then trust your body and get screened immediately.

At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments including advanced cancer surgeries at affordable price ranges with experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!

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