Colorectal cancer symptoms
Colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms, especially in its early stages. While some symptoms might be due to other causes like hemorrhoids, diarrhea, infection, or irritable bowel syndrome.
There may be no symptoms!
See your doctor if you are experiencing the following:
A change in bowel habits
Changing bowel habits include diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of the stools, and/or feeling like your bowels are not completely empty, even after having a bowel movement.
Persistent abdominal discomfort
Abdominal discomfort can cause feelings such as pain, nausea, cramping, bloating, and/or feeling unusually full, even when you haven’t eaten much.
Rectal bleeding
You might notice bright red blood.
Weakness and/or fatigue
Weakness and/or fatigue may be a sign of colorectal cancer and may be accompanied by anemia or a low red blood cell count.
Unexplained weight loss
You should always seek medical attention if you are losing weight for no known reason.
Talking to your doctor
If you are having symptoms, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. Learn how to make this conversation a little easier.
Understand your risk factors
Are you at high risk for colon cancer? Knowing if you have a family history of cancer or inherited a gene mutation can significantly increase your lifetime risk.
Screening is essential.
Take the screening quizTop resources
FDA approves ColoSense, mt-sRNA screening test from Geneoscopy
ColoSense is a screening test for adults, 45 years of age or older, who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC).
Legislation introduced to address young-onset CRC
Explore the urgent need for the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act (HR 7714), legislation aimed at combating the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults through enhanced screening, education, and research.
Dak Prescott joins Alliance to ‘LEAD FROM BEHIND’
Initiative aims to reduce stigma and educate about screening choices, as the Colorectal Cancer Alliance launches a health equity fund to decrease disparities.