FAQ

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that is found in the colon and rectum that begins with polyps found in the lining of the colon and rectum.

Colorectal cancer’s causes are unknown but there are risks that are inherited and come from different lifestyle factors. Smoking, lack of exercise, and obesity may place someone at larger risk for colorectal cancer. Genetic factors could increase a person’s susceptibility to the disease.

It is the third most common cancer and there are more than 150,000 new cases in the United States each year. 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women in the United States will be diagnosed with colon cancer.

Colon cancer, often called a “silent disease,” develops gradually and may not show symptoms until it has progressed significantly. This lack of early warning signs makes awareness of potential indicators critical for timely detection and treatment. Understanding the common signs of colon cancer can make a life-saving difference, as early diagnosis often leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes. Below, we’ll delve into some of the most frequent symptoms to watch for and what steps to take if you notice them.

Understanding Changes in Bowel Habits

Changes in your bowel habits are among the most noticeable early signs of colon cancer. While occasional irregularities in bowel movements are common and often harmless, persistent changes could indicate something more serious. Here are some key changes to monitor:

• Frequent diarrhea or constipation: If you’re experiencing ongoing diarrhea or constipation without an obvious cause, such as diet or stress, it could signal a deeper issue in your digestive system.

• Unusual stool appearance: Narrow, ribbon-like stools or a noticeable alteration in size, shape, or consistency may indicate a blockage or abnormality in the colon or rectum. These changes could be due to a tumor restricting the passage of stool.

• Feeling of incomplete emptying: If you constantly feel like your bowels haven’t completely emptied after using the restroom, this could be an early symptom of colon cancer.

Changes in bowel habits can be caused by various conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome or dietary shifts, but persistent symptoms should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider.

Blood in Stool or Rectal Bleeding: A Serious Warning Sign

One of the most alarming and important symptoms to watch for is blood in the stool or rectal bleeding. This symptom can appear in different forms:

• Bright red blood: This may indicate bleeding closer to the rectum and is often easier to spot.

• Dark or tar-like stool: Blood from higher up in the colon may result in stool with a darker appearance, as it has had time to break down while passing through the digestive tract.

While blood in the stool can sometimes be caused by hemorrhoids or minor tears in the rectal area, it’s critical to rule out more serious causes like colon cancer. If you notice any signs of blood, don’t ignore them—schedule a consultation with your doctor immediately.

Unexplained Abdominal Discomfort

Persistent abdominal discomfort can signal that something is wrong within your digestive system. Symptoms may include:

• Cramping or pain: Ongoing abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating without an apparent cause could indicate an obstruction or irritation in the colon.

• Increased flatulence (gas): Changes in the frequency or intensity of gas may suggest an underlying issue.

These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for common digestive problems like indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome. However, if the discomfort persists, it’s important to investigate further.

Other Concerning Symptoms to Monitor

Colon cancer can manifest in other, less obvious ways. These symptoms may be overlooked, but they’re equally important to address:

• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without changes to your diet or exercise routine could be a sign that your body is expending energy fighting an underlying condition like cancer.

• Fatigue or weakness: Feeling consistently tired or weak, even after adequate rest, may result from anemia caused by internal bleeding, a potential symptom of colon cancer.

These symptoms may not always point to colon cancer, but they can signal other serious health concerns and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Why It’s Critical to Pay Attention to These Symptoms

Not every instance of these symptoms means you have colon cancer, but ignoring them could delay a crucial diagnosis. Many of these signs—like changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain—can overlap with less severe conditions, such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. However, early evaluation by a healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

What Steps to Take Next

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned—or if you have a family history of colon cancer—it’s vital to talk to your doctor about screening options. Routine screenings, such as colonoscopies or at-home FIT tests (fecal immunochemical tests), can help identify abnormalities like polyps before they develop into cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends starting regular colon cancer screenings at age 45, but those with higher risk factors may need to begin earlier. Discuss your personal and family medical history with your doctor to determine the best screening plan for you.

The Importance of Early Detection

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable when caught early. Awareness of these common symptoms, combined with routine screenings, can significantly reduce your risk and improve outcomes if cancer is detected.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen or become unbearable. Early action can save your life. Check it for your family. Check it for someone you love. CheckIt4Andretti!

Men and women over the age of 50 are at almost an equal risk of developing colorectal cancer. Those who have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

If you are 45 or older, you should talk to your doctor about yearly screenings.  These screenings can identify polyps and allow time for the removal of precancerous polyps to prevent the future development of cancer. Early screening is the best way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

A polyp is a group of cells that form on the lining of the colon. These polyps are typically removed. It is important to find the polyps early before they develop into cancerous cells.

There are two main ways a polyp is removed. The first being using an electrical current to destroy the polyp and the other being to use a wire loop to snare and remove the polyp.

Doctors can diagnose colon cancer in a few different ways. This may include blood and stool tests, CAT scans, PET scans, and the most common being a colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy allows doctors to detect changes or see abnormalities in the colon and rectum. During the procedure a long flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. A small video camera on the end of the tube allows doctors to view the interior of the colon to detect any abnormalities.

Your doctor will prescribe you a pre procedure prep kit to help clear out your colon before the procedure. Your doctor will also give you detailed instructions on what to eat the day before and the morning of your procedure.