Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
It is important that anyone at any age who has symptoms of colorectal cancer be fully evaluated with a colonoscopy to rule out cancer. Watching and waiting is not an acceptable option.
Remember that colorectal cancer can be present without any symptoms at all, so screening is important to find cancer early when it is most curable.
Symptoms can include:
- A change in bowel habits — constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a couple of weeks.
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
- Bright red or very dark blood in the stool, black stools that may indicate hidden blood.
- Stools that look narrower or thinner than normal.
- Abdominal discomfort such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps.
- Weight loss with no known explanation.
- Constant tiredness or fatigue.
- Unexplained anemia (low number of red blood cells).
Last Update: October 1, 2009
Medical Review
Reviewed By: Neal Meropol, MD
Review Date: September 10, 2008
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