Colorectal cancer is a term used to identify cancer of the large intestine. The cancer can occur in the colon, which is the longest section of the large intestine, or it can affect the last several inches of the large intestine, resulting in rectal cancer. While there is currently no known cause, you are considered at a higher risk if you are older than 50 years old, smoke, eat a high-fat diet, have colorectal polyps, suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease, or have a family history of the disease. Your best defense is to get screened regularly before the common symptoms of this disease occur. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
Bowel Changes
The National Cancer Institute states that the symptoms of colorectal cancer may be general and mimic the symptoms of many other conditions. That is why it is important to get screened. Any changes in bowel habits should be brought to the attention of your physician. This includes frequent diarrhea or constipation, feeling bloated or full, gas, cramping, abdominal pain or feeling that the bowel never fully empties.
Bloody Stools
Talk to your doctor if you experience stools that are thinner then normal, or notice dark or bright red blood in your stools. According to the National Institutes of Health, this symptom is caused by bleeding in the colon that passes out of the body through the stools. In addition, you stools may become maroon or black in color. The American Cancer Society states that bloody stools might be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Other Symptoms
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that, in some cases, there are no symptoms until colorectal cancer becomes severe. In most cases, however, colon cancer originates from precancerous growths called polyps, which can be detected during routine screening tests such as colonoscopy. Your doctor can remove these polyps before they become cancerous and cause symptoms. If you do not catch colon cancer early, the cancer can obstruct your bowels. This can lead to severe abdominal pain and the inability to pass gas or stools.
