Common stomach ailments or a change in bowel habits happen to everyone from time to time. They don’t always mean that you have a serious condition like colorectal cancer, but it’s important to know the symptoms. Contact your provider when symptoms persist or if you experience more than one at a time.
What to Look For: Blood in the toilet, on the stool, or on toilet paper after a bowel movement
Other Considerations: Conditions like hemorrhoids or fissures can also cause bleeding. If you notice blood, contact your physician and mention any other symptoms. Any blood that appears after a bowel movement should be evaluated by a clinician, and large amounts of blood may warrant an emergency room visit.
Shape: Normal stool should be medium-brown, smooth, and not too soft or firm (Numbers 3 and 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart). A Thin, narrow, or ribbon-like stool could indicate changes inside your colon.
Color: Blood, darkened, or tarry (black) stool can signal issues inside the colon. Your doctor can help determine the cause.
Diarrhea: This is a loose stool that can be caused by an intolerance to certain foods, medication, stress, or exposure to bacteria (often experienced when traveling). Most people will get at least a mild case of diarrhea several times a year. In most cases, the condition will resolve on its own within two or three days. Contact your healthcare provider Iif it continues longer than three days to determine the cause.
Constipation: This is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. Constipation is defined as having less than three bowel movements in a week. Having constipation does not mean you have colon cancer. A change in your diet, poor nutritional habits, stress, dehydration or lack of physical activity can also cause constipation. If your constipation lasts longer than two weeks, you should see a doctor to identify its cause.
What to Note: Track when changes began and any lifestyle or diet changes that might have occurred.
Cause: Chronic internal bleeding (like from a bleeding polyp, etc.) can lead to iron deficiency (anemia), causing persistent tiredness.
What It Is: Anemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells (hemoglobin) to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Symptoms: Diagnosed with a blood test, look for fatigue and pale skin. Anemia can be a sign of internal bleeding.
What to Watch For: Sudden weight loss or a significant drop in energy levels for no apparent reason. Take note of when the changes occur and contact your physician for evaluation.
Cause: Like constipation or diarrhea, stomach discomfort is a common occurrence and can result from a poor diet, food intolerance, stress, or other factors. Be aware of discomfort that does not go away or cramping that worsens. Stomach discomfort or cramping that doesn’t go away could indicate colon issues.
Note: This cramping can be disguised as menstrual pain in people with a uterus. Be sure to talk to your care provider if this pain is outside of your normal period pain.
Symptoms: Constant bloating or a persistent urge to have a bowel movement, even when there is no need to have one, could indicate changes in your colon preventing a complete bowel evacuation. Contact your physician to be evaluated and determine the cause.
Remember: Many people diagnosed with colorectal cancer report no symptoms. Regular screening is crucial, especially if you’re over 45 or have a family history of CRC.
“I had symptoms starting in June of 2021, but because of the cost of a colonoscopy, I put it off until October. Bleeding and cramping were the most obvious symptoms. I was lucky. My tumor in my colon was detected and treated early enough that I didn’t need chemo or radiation, just surgery. I’m so lucky to have listened to my body and I just knew in my gut (pun intended) that something was awry. I have since promoted colonoscopies to anyone weary of scheduling the appointment.”
Yes, colon cancer symptoms can be intermittent, especially in the early stages. Changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, or fatigue may seem minor at first or improve temporarily. Persistent or recurring symptoms should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.eee
Most colon cancer symptoms are the same regardless of sex, including rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. However, women may sometimes mistake symptoms like bloating or fatigue for other gastrointestinal or hormonal issues, which can delay diagnosis.
You should speak with a healthcare provider if symptoms such as rectal bleeding, ongoing abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained fatigue last more than a few weeks. Even mild symptoms can warrant further evaluation.
Absolutely. Early-stage colon cancer can cause subtle warning signs, including narrow stools, incomplete bowel movements, or small amounts of blood in the stool. Recognizing these early changes can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes.
Yes. Many people with early-stage colon cancer have no symptoms at all. Regular screening can detect precancerous polyps or cancer before symptoms develop, which is why screening is recommended even if you feel healthy.
While colon cancer or rectal cancer can affect anyone, certain factors may increase your risk, including age, family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and a diet high in processed meats. Understanding your risk can help you make informed decisions about screening and prevention.
Understand Your RiskIf you’re experiencing symptoms or are at increased risk, colorectal cancer screening is essential. Colonoscopy is considered the best test to detect and remove polyps that lead to colon cancer. Other effective detection options for people without symptoms or family history are available, including stool-based tests, blood tests, and virtual colonoscopy. These tests, if positive, require a colonoscopy follow-up.
Colon Cancer Screening OptionsInformation on these pages is provided for educational purposes only. Consult your physician before making any medical decisions.
