There is colon cancer in my family history. What are some signs that I should be aware of?

"Irene" is absolutely right.

I want to clarify that these symptoms are in no way specific

for colon cancer. There are many benign diseases that can

cause the same array of symptoms.

People often panic when they see a list of symptoms.

They trick themselves into thinking they have all of them.

Especially nervous teens.

You did not give use your age.

Colon cancer is very rare in people under 30

unless you have a familial syndrome.

You can check with your doctor about testing for those.

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From Wikipedia

"Those with a family history in two or more first degree relatives

have a two to threefold greater risk of disease and this group

accounts for about 20% of all cases. A number of genetic syndromes

are also associated with higher rates of colorectal cancer. The most

common of these is hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer

(HNPCC or Lynch syndrome) which is present in about 3% of people

with colorectal cancer. Other syndromes that are strongly associated

include: Gardner syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

in which cancer nearly always occurs and is the cause of 1% of cases."

Usually by the time there are signs it's too late. if you are worried you should have a colonoscopy beginning at age 40 as is recommended instead of waiting for 50.

signs would be change in bowel habbits pain, constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain