Is bloating a symptom of rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer in its early stages often doesn't cause any signs or symptoms. Bloating is not typically one of the symptoms of rectal cancer. However, as rectal cancer advances it may cause a number of signs and symptoms, including;

A persistent change in your bowel habits, including;

- Diarrhea

- Constipation

- A sense that you need to have a bowel movement that doesn't go away after a bowel movement

- Narrow, ribbon-like stools

Other signs and symptoms may include;

- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool

- Abdominal pain

- Weakness or fatigue

- Unexplained weight loss

- A feeling that your bowels don't empty completely

If you're experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to rule out rectal cancer.