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By: Allied Digestive Health
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, but early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Colorectal cancer often begins with subtle symptoms that people tend to overlook. That’s why understanding the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer is important for early detection. From changes in bowel habits to unexplained weight loss, recognizing early indicators can lead to timely medical intervention. Here, we explore the key symptoms of colorectal cancer, what they might mean, and when it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Deaths from colorectal cancer often occur because the cancer is not detected early enough. Colorectal cancer refers to cancer in the colon, or large intestine, and rectum, and symptoms of colon cancer are often related to the digestive tract, but may affect the entire body, as well. It is also known as bowel cancer, and the term colorectal cancer is often used synonymously with the terms “colon cancer” and “rectal cancer.”
Colorectal cancer can develop silently, with symptoms appearing only as the disease progresses. Furthermore, many of the symptoms of colorectal cancer may be caused by other health issues, such as ulcers, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids, infection, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recognizing the early warning signs of colorectal cancer is critical to ensure early detection. Regular screenings, including colonoscopies, can help detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer before symptoms appear…
But knowing the subtle symptoms that may appear in early cancer stages will help you recognize potential warning signs and seek medical attention promptly, increasing the chances of successful treatment and improved outcomes.
Early Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer usually begins as noncancerous polyps that turn into cancerous polyps as the disease progresses. Symptoms of colorectal cancer depend on the size and location of the polyps. Some early warning signs of colorectal cancer may be subtle but should not be ignored. These include persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain and discomfort, unexplained weight loss and fatigue, and rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. Early detection is crucial, so it is important to be aware and consult a doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Changes in Bowel Movements: A Key Indicator
Changes in bowel movements are one of the most common signs of colorectal cancer.
Changes in bowel movements that could be indicators of colorectal cancer include the following:
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation;
- Stool color, such as blood in your stool that is bright red or dark red;
- Changes in stool consistency, such as stools that are looser than normal;
- Changes in the size or shape of the stool, such as narrowing of the stool;
- Incomplete emptying, or feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely after a bowel movement; and/or
- Changes in stool frequency, such as bowel movements that occur more or less often than normal.
The existence of any of these changes in bowel movements that last for more than a few days may signal colorectal cancer, and should be discussed with a medical professional.
Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Cramping, bloating, or abdominal pain may be caused by colorectal cancer as tumors grow and affect digestion. Stomach pain or cramping that hurts a lot or doesn’t go away should be discussed with your doctor. You should also talk to your doctor if you have a bloated belly that lasts for more than a week or gets worse. While these symptoms can have many causes, it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider if you have ongoing, persistent, or unusual abdominal pain and discomfort.
Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue
Unexpected weight loss and ongoing fatigue can indicate that cancer cells are using the body’s energy supply or that the cancer is causing changes in the body’s metabolism, affecting the way food is converted to energy. Weight loss and fatigue may also occur if a tumor in the colon gets large enough to block the colon and affect bowel habits.
Blood in Stool or Rectal Bleeding
Blood in your stool, whether bright red, dark red, or black, is a potential warning sign of colorectal cancer. Sometimes blood in the stool may be invisible to the naked eye. Fecal occult tests can be used to detect blood in the stool. Anemia may be a sign that you have blood in the stool, and symptoms of anemia should also be discussed with your doctor. Rectal bleeding, even if occasional, should never be ignored.
When to See a Doctor: Important Considerations
If you’re experiencing any of these early warning signs of colorectal cancer, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider, especially if the symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few weeks. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases should be particularly vigilant and should consult a doctor right away if any of these symptoms are present.
How Symptoms Vary by Stage of Colorectal Cancer
In the early stages, colorectal cancer may cause no symptoms or very subtle symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more noticeable, including severe abdominal pain, noticeable blood in the stool, and increased fatigue and weight loss. Advanced stages may cause bowel obstruction or significant weight loss.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Health guidelines recommend regular colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases. It is recommended that you schedule a colonoscopy or other recommended screenings to detect colorectal cancer early, when treatment will be most effective. Early detection saves lives – reach out to a trusted healthcare provider today to make a plan for routine cancer screenings.
About Allied Digestive Health:
An integrated group of gastroenterology practices in the northeast, Allied Digestive Health is focused on delivering a positive experience across all care centers. Together with over 200 gastroenterologists, pathologists, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, ADH values consistency and quality, and prides itself on the high level of support provided.
