Colon cancer, medically referred to as colorectal cancer, stands as the third most common type of cancer affecting both men and women. This form of cancer typically originates from the cells lining the colon or rectum. Despite being highly prevalent, many individuals remain oblivious to the early signs. Thus, understanding and recognizing the symptoms of colon cancer are vital for early detection and successful treatment.

Primarily, changes in bowel habits constitute some of the earliest and most consistent indicators. These changes can include persistent diarrhea, constipation, or alteration in stool consistency. Another essential element to look out for is rectal bleeding or the presence of blood in the stool, which is often indicative of colon cancer. The stool might appear darker, indicating unnoticed bleeding. Although these symptoms can be attributed to less serious conditions like hemorrhoids, they should never be overlooked or trivialized, as they can be warning signs of a larger issue.

Another key symptom of colon cancer is abdominal discomfort. Continuous bloating, gas, pain, cramps, or feelings of fullness could potentially be associated with colon cancer. Whilst sporadic abdominal pain can arise from harmless conditions, consistent discomfort should be a cause for concern.

Unintentional or unexplained weight loss is another red flag. Although weight loss is common to various forms of cancer, colon cancer often leads to loss of appetite and an undesired reduction in weight. In conjunction with other symptoms, this can be a strong indicator of colon cancer and warrants medical attention.

Next, fatigue or weakness is another symptom that should not be ignored. While fatigue is common and often linked to many non-critical conditions, persistent fatigue alongside other colon cancer symptoms should be taken seriously.

Furthermore, the feeling of not completely emptying your bowel after a bowel movement or the sensation of a bowel obstruction are other ways colon cancer might manifest. Lastly, iron deficiency anemia, caused by continuous, unnoticed blood loss, could indicate colon cancer, especially when there’s no other reasonable explanation for the anemia.

It's important to note that early-stage colon cancer might not exhibit any symptoms, hence the importance of routine screenings after the age of 50, or earlier for individuals with a family history of the disease. Don't ignore these potential signs even if they seem minor or fleeting. If you notice even subtle changes in your body, it’s always worth checking them out with a healthcare provider. Remember, colon cancer is highly treatable, especially with early detection, making awareness of its symptoms incredibly significant.