Symptoms
Unlike fast growing cancers or cancers you can see, colorectal cancer often has no symptoms at all, especially during the early stages. Current recommendations suggest being screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 50, but if you experience any of the symptoms listed below, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away regardless of your age.
- Changes in the frequency of your bowel movements
Are you going to the bathroom more or less often?
- Changes in the consistency of your bowel movement
Are you experiencing constipation or diarrhea?
- Narrow stools
Are your stools thinner that normal?
- Blood in your stool
Blood may be bright red, dark colored, or black and tarry looking.
- Pain or discomfort
Are you experiencing frequent abdominal pain, gas pains, cramps, or bloating?
- Feeling as if your bowels don’t empty completely
- Unexplained fatigue
Do you feel tired all the time?
- Unexplained weight loss
Are you losing weight without trying to? Have you lost your appetite?
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anemia
Has a blood test shown that you have low iron levels or a low red blood cell count?
All of these symptoms can be caused by things other than cancer, but don’t take unnecessary chances, talk to your doctor!
