These cells transmit messages to the brain, where specific smells or tastes are identified. 1  Olfactory (smell nerve) cells are stimulated by the odors around usthe fragrance from a rose, the smell of bread baking.  Gustatory (taste nerve) cells are clustered in the taste buds of the mouth and throat. They react to food or drink mixed with saliva. Many of the small bumps that can be seen on the tongue contain taste buds. These surface cells send taste information to nearby nerve fibers, which send messages to the brain.
Anemia refers to a lowering of red blood cell count. In terms of colon cancer anemia may be caused by a microscopic amount of chronic blood loss in the stool. In this case, iron is lost with the red blood cells and can slowly deplete the total body stores of iron.
Colon Cancer Early Symptoms. Unfortunately, in most cases of colon cancer, early symptoms do not occur. Signs and symptoms generally develop only after the disease has spread beyond its earliest, most treatable stages. Once symptoms do appear, they may include blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, and change in frequency of bowel movements.