Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. In 2014 alone, almost 137,000 people were diagnosed with 50,000 dying. As with all cancers, early detection and treatment can save a life. It's important to understand the signs and symptoms of the disease. 

As with many cancers, people that have colon cancer often experience no symptoms in the early stages. African American men and women are where colon cancer mortality rates are the highest. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in your large intestine.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool

• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool

• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain

• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely

• Weakness or fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss.

Be aware of this disease. Colon cancer can be aggressive as any cancer. Talk to your doctor about when you should get screened. Recommendations are currently around age 50 for both men and women but if you have an aggressive family history or other risk factors, it may make sense to start screening earlier.