Colorectal cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its earlier stages, this is because there is a lot of extra space within the colon and abdomen in which a tumour can grow and develop undetected. Symptoms of colorectal cancer often begin to appear once the tumour blocks or causes ulceration (sores) in the colon or rectum. It is also important to note that signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer may also be caused by other health conditions, making it important to have any symptoms or abnormalities checked by a physician in a timely manner. Lastly, symptoms associated within colorectal cancer often vary and depend on where the tumour is located within the colon or if it is in the rectum.
Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- Change in Bowel Habits:
- Narrowing of stools
- Red, bloody bowel movements
- Black, tarry bowel movements
- Mucus in the stool
- Persistent Diarrhea
- Persistent constipation
- Rectal bleeding between bowel movements
- Feeling that bowels have not completely evacuated after bowel movement
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Abdominal Discomfort
- Pain
- Cramping
- Gas
- Bloating
- A lump may be felt in the abdomen
- Changes to Digestion
- Nausea/vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Normally a result of bleeding within the colon- causing shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness