Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

by Michelle Badash, MS

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
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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..... Updated January 17, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2013.
Colorectal cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated May 3, 2013. Accessed May 14, 2013.
Last reviewed May 2013 by Mohei Abouzied, MD; Brian Randall, MD
Last Updated: 5/14/2013

 
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