How to Recognize Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Men and women are equally affected, and the risk of developing this potentially fatal type of cancer is 1 in 19. Because colorectal cancer has few symptoms early in the illness, when treatment is most effective, learn how to recognize colorectal cancer symptoms.

Instructions

Signs of Colorectal Cancer

• 1

  Determine your risk factors. Risk factors for the disease include a low-fiber and high-fat diet, alcohol consumption, obesity, use of tobacco products, a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and a sedentary lifestyle. Routine tests, such as a colonoscopy, may need to be started sooner or performed more frequently, if you are at high risk.

• 2

  Watch for symptoms related to gastrointestinal abnormalities, such as frequent gas or indigestion, blood in the stool, stomach pain, a change in bowel habits and abnormally narrow stools. These could all indicate a problem and require a visit to your doctor.

• 3

  Report any other unusual symptoms to your general doctor at your next appointment, such as chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss or pain. While these symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, they are reported in patients with colorectal cancer.

• 4

  Have bloodwork done to check for anemia. Colorectal cancer may cause internal bleeding or blood loss when passing stools, both of which can lead to anemia. A simple blood test will determine if anemia is present.

• 5

  Keep your appointments for colorectal screenings, even if you have no symptoms. Regular screening and diagnostic testing can substantially reduce the risk of this cancer, and early treatment can save your life. These screenings look for the presence of polyps and other abnormalities.