“Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know
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Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, and it is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, colorectal cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers, and early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
One of the most effective ways to prevent colorectal cancer is to be aware of the signs and symptoms. While some people with colorectal cancer may not experience any symptoms, others may experience a variety of symptoms that can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get checked out:
- Changes in bowel habits: This can include diarrhea, constipation, or changes in the consistency of your stool. You may also experience a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement even when you don’t.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool: This is one of the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer. The blood may be bright red or dark red, and it may be mixed in with the stool or on the toilet paper.
- Abdominal pain or cramping: This can be a persistent or intermittent pain in the abdomen. You may also experience bloating or gas.
- Unexplained weight loss: This is a loss of weight without any changes in your diet or exercise habits.
- Fatigue: This is a feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that doesn’t go away with rest.
- Weakness: This is a feeling of physical weakness or lack of strength.
- Anemia: This is a condition in which you have a low red blood cell count. It can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
- Change in stool caliber: Narrow stools, sometimes described as pencil-thin, can be a sign of a blockage in the colon or rectum.
- Feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely: Even after a bowel movement, you may feel like there is still more to pass.
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms are less common but can occur if the tumor is blocking the colon.
Less Common Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
In addition to the common symptoms listed above, some people with colorectal cancer may experience less common symptoms, such as:
- Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. It can occur if the tumor has spread to the liver.
- Swelling in the abdomen: This can occur if the tumor is blocking the flow of fluid in the abdomen.
- Pain in the back or hip: This can occur if the tumor has spread to the bones.
- Difficulty breathing: This can occur if the tumor has spread to the lungs.
- Headaches or seizures: These can occur if the tumor has spread to the brain.
Symptoms Based on Tumor Location
The specific symptoms a person experiences can also depend on the location of the tumor in the colon or rectum.
- Right-Sided Colon Cancer: Tumors on the right side of the colon tend to cause more vague symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and anemia. This is because the right side of the colon has a larger diameter, so tumors can grow larger before causing a blockage.
- Left-Sided Colon Cancer: Tumors on the left side of the colon are more likely to cause changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools. This is because the left side of the colon has a smaller diameter, so tumors can cause a blockage more easily.
- Rectal Cancer: Rectal cancer is more likely to cause rectal bleeding, pain during bowel movements, and a feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely.
When to See a Doctor
It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of the signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer, especially if you have a family history of the disease or if you are over the age of 45. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your chances of survival.
Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
While anyone can develop colorectal cancer, certain factors can increase your risk. These include:
- Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Most cases occur in people over the age of 50.
- Family history: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Personal history: If you have a personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease, you are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Diet: A diet high in red meat and processed meat and low in fiber can increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Lack of physical activity: Being physically inactive can increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Race: African Americans have the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the United States.
- Certain genetic syndromes: Some genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, including:
- Get screened: Regular screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer. Screening can detect precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can also detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in red meat and processed meat.
- Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, lose weight.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, quit.
- Limit alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for people at average risk starting at age 45. People at higher risk may need to start screening earlier and be screened more often.
There are several different screening tests available, including:
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end to view the entire colon and rectum.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a shorter, flexible tube with a camera on the end to view the lower part of the colon and rectum.
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): An FOBT is a test that checks for blood in the stool.
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): A FIT is a test that checks for blood in the stool using antibodies.
- Stool DNA test: A stool DNA test checks for abnormal DNA in the stool.
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy): A CT colonography is a type of X-ray that creates images of the colon and rectum.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
If you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, your doctor will perform a number of tests to determine the stage of the cancer. The stage of the cancer refers to the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
The treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and any nearby lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery, or it may be used to treat advanced cancer.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or it may be used to treat advanced cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is the use of drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and spread.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer.
Living with Colorectal Cancer
Living with colorectal cancer can be challenging. It is important to have a strong support system and to take care of your physical and emotional health.
There are many resources available to help people living with colorectal cancer, including:
- The American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society provides information and support to people with cancer and their families.
- The Colorectal Cancer Alliance: The Colorectal Cancer Alliance provides information and support to people with colorectal cancer and their families.
- The National Cancer Institute: The National Cancer Institute provides information about cancer research and treatment.
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer is a serious disease, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers. By being aware of the signs and symptoms, getting screened regularly, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. If you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, early treatment can significantly improve your chances of survival. If you experience any of the symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
