Early Signs of Colorectal Cancer: What to Watch for

Published December 30, 2024 by

Colorectal cancer is not something most of us want to think about, however, we probably should pay attention to any early signs. It is responsible for the second most cancer deaths. Become familiar with all the symptoms of early colorectal cancer and get screened and treated. Educate yourself with the early signs of colorectal cancer and what to watch for.

Importance of Regular Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Blue ribbon with heart for world colon cancer day.You can actually have polyps in your colon or rectum or even have colon cancer and not know it. In the earliest stages of the disease, there may not be any symptoms, but as time passes, symptoms may begin to show up. 

Those with average risk of getting colon cancer should begin screening at 45. 

What Are Colorectal Cancer Symptoms to Watch For?

If you begin to have any of the following symptoms, be sure to contact an experienced physician like Dr. Jonathan Erlich. 

Changes Bowel Habits

Do you normally move your bowels every day, and then all of a sudden you begin to skip lots of days? Do you become constipated or it takes a long time to finally go?  Maybe you have bouts of diarrhea which you have never had. All of these are changes that should concern you.

You could also feel like you never completely finish moving your bowels. Watch for skinny or very thin narrow stools.

Blood in Your Stool

This can look like dark brown or black stools, not necessarily red. However, you could see some red on your tissue or in the bowel after you wipe. That would be a clear sign to call board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Jonathan Erlich.

Abdominal Pain and Cramps

These two symptoms can indicate lots of different things, so don’t jump to conclusions. If these signs are associated with other worrisome symptoms, it could be an early sign of colon cancer.

Unexplained Weight Loss

When you lose weight without trying, something is going on. It usually is not good.

Fatigue and Weakness

If you are feeling unusually weak and fatigued during the day, you should see GI Solutions of Illinois for a check up and tests. Unless you are in your 80s, this is probably not normal.

Other Worrisome Symptoms

These symptoms could be from cancer, polyps in the colon, an infection, hemorrhoids, IBS, or other conditions. They should not be ignored if they last more than a day or two. Make an appointment to see GI Solutions of Illinois to discover the cause and be treated.

  • Anemia
  • Feeling bloated
  • Gas and cramps
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in appetite like not wanting to eat 

Your best defense from colorectal cancer is being screened on a regular basis with a colonoscopy. If polyps are found, they can be removed immediately before they can grow into cancerous tumors. 

Schedule a Colorectal Cancer Consultation in Chicago, IL

Contact GI Solutions of Illinois at (773) 631-2728 to schedule your overdue colonoscopy or to make an appointment if you are experiencing any of the early signs of colorectal cancer.

Sources: Early Signs of Colorectal Cancer – ActiveBeat – Your Daily Dose of Health Headlines

Colon cancer – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

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