Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Colorectal cancer may not produce any symptoms in the early stages, but as it progresses more symptoms may appear. This is because colorectal cancer usually starts as small polyps (overgrowth of tissue) in the colon or rectum. These polyps may be asymptomatic.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
- Diarrhea or constipation that does not go away
- Change in normal bowel habits, such as size, shape and frequency
- Discomfort or the urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need
- Discomfort or pain during bowel movements
- Discomfort when sitting
- Abdominal pain or cramping pain in your lower stomach
- Bloating or full feeling
- Change in appetite
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool or toilet after a bowel movement
- Excessive fatigue
- Weight loss without dieting
In the later stages of colorectal cancer, the polyp may metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. This can cause other symptoms, depending on where cancer has spread.
Other conditions with similar symptoms
These symptoms usually do not mean you have colorectal cancer. Other conditions that share some of these symptoms include hemorrhoids, anal fissures (small tears in the lining of the anus), irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
These conditions can be serious. Patients who have symptoms should see their doctor.
Colorectal cancer risk factors
Several factors can increase the odds of developing colon cancer. People can reduce their risk by:
- eating a healthy diet
- limiting red meat and processed meats
- maintaining a healthy weight
- avoiding all tobacco use
- limiting alchol use.
There are other risk factors people can't control. thse include:
- Age: More than 75% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in patients age 55 and older. The median age at diagnosis is 66 years old. However, the rate of colorectal cancer diagnosed in adults less than 55 years old has increased in recent years.
- Race: African Americans have the highest rate of colorectal cancer among all racial groups in the United States.
- Family history: People whose relatives have had colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer screening guidelines
Colorectal cancer screening for most people starts at age 45. People at high risk due to a personal or family history of the disease, certain genetic conditions or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease may need to get screened earlier.
Most people are screened with a colonoscopy. During this procedure, the patient is put under anesthesia and the colon and rectum are examined with a camera at the end of a long, thin tube.
Other, non-invasive screening options are also available.
