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Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

It is important to remember that very often there are no symptoms of colorectal cancer until the cancer is advanced. This is why it is important to begin and maintain a program of regular screening as recommended by your doctor. Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

Change in bowel habits

Blood, either bright red, or black and tarry, in the stool

Stools that are narrower than usual

Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

General abdominal discomfort, such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and/or cramps

Unexplained weight loss

Constant feeling of fatigue or tiredness

References:

Colon and rectal cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003096-pdf.pdf. Updated January 17, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Colorectal cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated May 3, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Last reviewed May 2013 by Mohei Abouzied, MD; Brian Randall, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.