Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer

Have you noticed changes in your digestion or bathroom habits lately? Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon or rectum, is highly treatable when caught early. Knowing the symptoms is the first step toward a better outcome.

Colon cancer warning signs

Pay attention if these issues are new and last more than a couple of weeks:

• Changes in bowel habits: Ongoing diarrhea, constipation or stools that are narrower than usual.
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding: This may look bright red or make stools appear very dark.
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying.

While these symptoms can stem from other, less serious conditions, it is crucial to get them checked if they do not go away.

Signs of more advanced disease

If the cancer has progressed, you may notice more severe symptoms. Seek medical care right away if you experience any of the following:

• Severe fatigue or weakness that doesn't improve with rest.
• Signs of bowel blockage: Intense abdominal pain, vomiting and an inability to pass gas or stool.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (a sign that cancer may have spread to the liver).

Risk factors

• Age: The risk rises significantly with age.
• Family history: Risk is higher if a close relative has had colorectal cancer.
• Diet and lifestyle: Factors that increase risk include diets high in processed or preserved meats, physical inactivity, smoking and heavy alcohol use.
• Inherited conditions: Certain genetic syndromes (e.g., Lynch syndrome) substantially raise your lifetime risk. If you have a known genetic risk, talk to your doctor about specialized screening schedules.

Prevention and screening

Regular screening is the most effective way to detect polyps or early-stage cancer before symptoms even appear.

Screening guidelines

Screening is crucial even if you feel well or have no colon cancer symptoms. Those who are at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. If you have risk factors, talk to your primary care provider or gastroenterologist to find out when they recommend you start colon cancer screenings.

To be screened, your provider will refer you to a gastroenterologist. The gold standard screening for colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. Depending on your age and risk factors, they may have you do an at-home stool test in place of a colonoscopy.