What are the signs that you should have a colonoscopy?
Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms and Signs
It is important to remember that the symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer listed in this section are the same as those of extremely common conditions that are not cancer, such as hemorrhoids and IBS. When cancer is suspected, these symptoms usually have begun recently, are severe and long lasting, and change over time. By being alert to the symptoms of colorectal cancer, it may be possible to detect the disease early, when it is most likely to be treated successfully. However, many people with colorectal cancer do not have any symptoms until the disease is advanced, so people need to be screened regularly.
People with colorectal cancer may experience the following symptoms or signs. As mentioned above, it is also possible that these changes may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer, especially for the general symptoms of abdominal discomfort, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
A change in bowel habits
Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
Bright red or very dark blood in the stool
Stools that look narrower or thinner than normal
Discomfort in the abdomen, including frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and cramps
Weight loss with no known explanation
Constant tiredness or fatigue
Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, which is a low number of red blood cells
Talk with your doctor if any of these symptoms last for several weeks or become more severe. If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor and ask to schedule a colonoscopy.
Because colorectal cancer can occur in people younger than the recommended screening age and in older people between screenings, anyone at any age who experiences these symptoms should visit a doctor to find out if he or she should have a colonoscopy.
Your doctor will ask how long and how often you’ve been experiencing the symptoms(s), in addition to other questions. This is to help figure out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis.
If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may be called palliative care or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about the symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.
Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms and Signs
- A change in bowel habits.
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
- Bright red or very dark blood in the stool.
- Stools that look narrower or thinner than normal.
- Discomfort in the abdomen, including frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and cramps.
- Weight loss with no known explanation.