Colorectal cancer (CRC), also referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer more categorically by site of origin, is the second leading cause of global cancer-related mortality. It significantly improves survival if diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Unfortunately, when it begins early, most people are unaware of early symptoms or mistake them for benign processes like hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. Awareness of common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer would allow early diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, which are components of the large intestine. Most CRCs begin as noncancerous polyps—colon or rectal lining growths. After several years, some polyps turn malignant, invading deeper intestinal tissues and even spreading to other organs.
Although causes are unknown, some factors like age, heredity, diet, obesity, smoking, and chronic inflammatory bowel disease elevate risk. Comprehensive Hematology Oncology specialists believe that people 50 years and older should be screened regularly, which includes colonoscopies, for the detection of precancerous polyps prior to them becoming cancerous cancers.
Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer are not uniform and depend on the site and size of the tumor. Most frequent symptoms to be observed are as follows:
1. Changes in Bowel Habits
Long-standing changes in bowel habits are one of the first and most frequent symptoms of colorectal cancer. They are:
- Constipation or diarrhea for a few days.
- A sensation of not completely emptying the bowel after a bowel movement.
- Thin or ribbon stools, particularly if they are long-standing and frequent suddenly.
If you experience these signs for many weeks without relief, you should consult a doctor. Oncologists in Tampa, FL, mostly emphasize the need for an earlier diagnosis, especially when coupled with other symptoms.
2. Stool Blood and Rectal Bleeding
One of the most threatening signs is rectal or blood bleeding in stools. Bleeding can occur as bright red blood or as dark, tarry stools (melena). Although intermittent bleeding due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures can be the culprit, persistent or unexplained bleeding should not be dismissed.
CRC can also cause bleeding if the tumor irritates or digests blood vessels of the colon or rectum. Bleeding will eventually cause anemia, resulting in weakness and fatigue. The Comprehensive Hematology Oncology experts tell us that bloody stools should be treated by professional assistance immediately, particularly in the instance of other concurrent symptoms.
3. Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
Abdominal cramps, bloating, or pain may result as the tumor grows and shuts off a section of the colon. Pain changes or is constant and worsens. If you have sharp stomach pain or symptoms of an obstructed bowel—vomiting, the inability to pass gas, or severe bloating—get immediate medical attention.
4. Sudden Weight Loss
Sudden, unintentional weight loss is a classic symptom of various cancers, including colorectal cancer. Cancer cells consume significant energy and can disrupt the body’s metabolism. If you’re losing weight without changes in diet or exercise, it could signal an underlying health problem.
Oncology Doctors Tampa Bay reports that unexplained weight loss, especially when combined with gastrointestinal symptoms, should prompt a thorough evaluation, including blood tests and imaging.
5. Weakness and Fatigue
As colorectal cancer develops, periodic blood loss from the tumor can produce iron-deficiency anemia and thus chronic weakness and fatigue. Though you blame your weakness and fatigue on stress or getting older, never exclude a cause such as CRC.
6. Incomplete Evacuation Feeling
A persistent sensation of a need to have a bowel movement, even after having one recently, can be caused by a tumor compressing the bowel wall. It can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom with little or no return.
7. Gas, Bloating, and Fullness
New, constant bloating, gas, and fullness may be indicative of CRC if they are constant, new, and accompanied by a change in stool or weight loss.
8. Thin-Narrow Stools
If your stools are narrower and thinner on a regular basis, it may be an indication of obstruction due to a tumor. It is typically preceded by some other symptom like rectal bleeding or abdominal pain.
When to See a Doctor
They are mostly caused by benign conditions but should never be neglected. Oncologists in Tampa, FL, suggest you consult a physician if you notice:
- Recurrent alteration of bowel habit for weeks or longer.
- Altered shape and size of the stool and presence of blood on the stool or rectal bleeding.
- Unintended weight loss or exhaustion.
- Sudden development of intense abdominal pain, with or without vomiting or bloating.
Early detection is the greatest assurance of treatment success. Screening tests are done regularly even if you are asymptomatic if you have risk factors for or a past history of colorectal cancer.
How Is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?
Once doctors suspect a patient has colorectal cancer, they will have a biopsy or a series of tests performed to confirm the diagnosis. These include:
- Colonoscopy: Direct viewing of the colon and rectum with a flexible scope. Allows biopsy of suspicious lesions for cancer.
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): Tests for occult blood in stool.
- CT colonography: Special x-ray procedure (virtual colonoscopy) that produces images of the colon.
- Blood tests: Such as complete blood counts and tumor markers such as CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen).
Comprehensive Hematology Oncology professionals recommend routine screening, particularly in those at increased risk, to detect precancerous lesions before they develop into cancer.
Decreasing Your Colorectal Cancer Risk
Although certain risk factors (e.g., age and heredity) cannot be modified, you can decrease your risk by developing the following healthy habits:
- Eat a healthy diet: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; avoid red and processed meat.
- Get regular exercise: Physical activity decreases CRC risk.
- Do not smoke and drink in moderation: Both elevate colorectal cancer risk.
- Be a healthy weight: Obesity constitutes a high-risk group.
- Get screened on a regular basis: Particularly if you have risk factors or are age 50 or older.
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer can be prevented but may also prove deadly. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, e.g., bowel habit changes, bleeding from the rectum, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, or feeling weak, may save lives.
If you have any of these signs and symptoms, particularly if they become worse or persist, contact your doctor. Oncologists in Tampa, FL, provide specialized care and screening for the early diagnosis of CRC.To those with family history or other risk factors, preventive care by regular checkups and modification of lifestyle is recommended by Comprehensive Hematology Oncology. Early detection has improved prognosis and better quality of life.