COLORECTAL CANCER SYMPTOMS

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COLORECTAL CANCER?

Colorectal cancer symptoms may be minor or non-existent during the early stages of the disease. Since colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps or growths in the colon or rectum, participating in regular screening can help to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous. Be sure to talk to your doctor about when you should start regular colorectal cancer screening.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms May Include:

  1. Changes to your bowel habits

There is no “normal” that applies to everyone when it comes to bowel habits. It is important to be familiar with your own bowel habits and know what is normal for you. If you notice any variations from your normal, be sure to let your doctor know without delay to determine the possible causes and, if necessary, undergo colorectal cancer screening as soon as possible. These persistent changes in bowel habits are often the first symptoms of colorectal cancer.

  • Unexplained changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea

  • Change in size/shape/consistency of stools, such as being narrower than usual

  • The urge to have a bowel movement but nothing passes
  • Blood in or on the stool, ranging from bright red to dark black
  • Rectal bleeding

  1. Abdominal pain and discomfort

Sometimes the presence of colorectal cancer can cause abdominal pain, discomfort, and cramping. Depending on where the cancer is in the large intestine, the location of the pain can differ. In women, this pain may be confused with menstrual cramps. Be attentive to any abdominal pain or discomfort and do not hesitate to speak to your healthcare provider to investigate persistent symptoms including:

  • Bloating, persistent feeling of fullness, cramping,
    excessive gas
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
Colorectal cancer symptoms - list of symptoms and what to do

  1. Other general colorectal cancer symptoms

If you begin to lose weight unexpectedly without trying to, this is an important symptom to address with your healthcare professional. Unintentional weight loss is defined as a loss of 10 pounds (4.5  kilograms) or 5% of your normal body weight over 6-12 months or less without knowing the reason1. Furthermore, if you are experiencing changes to your energy levels that are not alleviated by some coffee or good rest, speak to your doctor.

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Weakness and fatigue, which may be accompanied by iron deficiency anemia

If you feel that there is something wrong with your body, trust your intuition. Book an appointment with your healthcare provider and ensure that your concerns are addressed by a proper investigation into the possible causes of your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions Related To Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

As soon as possible. Many of these symptoms may be caused by other gastrointestinal conditions, such as ulcers, Crohn’s disease or hemorrhoids, but they should always be discussed with your doctor to determine the correct diagnosis.

Even though colorectal cancer is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50, rates are on the rise in younger adults. Regardless of your age, if you are experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor. For more information on early age onset colorectal cancer, see our Never Too Young (N2Y) Program.

Depending on the size of the tumour and its closeness to surrounding tissues and organs, it is possible that colorectal cancer can cause lower back pain. If you are experiencing persistent lower back pain or any signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be performed.

Colorectal cancer and anal cancer are both lower gastrointestinal cancers with several overlapping symptoms which include:

  • weakness or fatigue
  • unexplained weight loss
  • belly or pelvic pain
  • changes in bowel habits, such as:
    • anal or rectal bleeding
    • constipation
    • diarrhea
    • urgent bowel movements
    • difficulty controlling bowel movements

Colorectal Cancer- vs. Anal Cancer-Specific Symptoms

Colorectal Cancer Specific Symptoms

Anal Cancer Specific Symptoms
  • abdominal pain
  • bloating
  • a feeling that the bowels don’t empty completely
  • itching or pain around the anus
  • lumps in or around the anus
  • pain in the anus when passing bowel movements

Both types of cancer can be diagnosed at a regular colonoscopy exam. Be sure to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any persistent symptoms mentioned above.

Both colon cancer and hemorrhoids can present with symptoms of rectal bleeding or blood in or around the stool. It is important to see your doctor if you experience any kind of rectal bleeding, especially if the bleeding is accompanied with a change in bowel habits. Your doctor may perform a physical examination or further diagnostic tests to correctly identify the cause. See our How is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed page for more information.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be shocking, disorienting, and overwhelming. Take the time to talk openly with your medical team to learn more about your diagnosis and all of your treatment options, including those that may only be available through clinical trials.

Treatment for colorectal cancer will depend on the type (colon or rectal), the size of the tumour, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment usually includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, or Immunotherapy.

Visit our Colorectal Cancer Treatment page for more information.

If you are below the age of 50 and experiencing symptoms, use the following script to help you advocate for yourself:

If your health care provider says: You don’t have a family history or you are too young to have colon cancer.

You can respond: I would like to investigate my symptom(s) further so I can be sure that it is not colorectal cancer. It is becoming increasingly common in people under 50 and I want to be completely sure that it is not what is causing my symptom(s).

1https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/weight-loss-unintentional#:~:text=Unexplained%20weight%20loss%20is%20a,less%20without%20knowing%20the%20reason