What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

What is colorectal cancer?

Cancer is a disease where an uncontrolled division of abnormal “cancer” cells happens in a human body. When this happens in the human colon or rectum (it’s a part of the gastrointestinal system), it is called colorectal cancer (CRC).

It is one of the most common types of cancer, with an estimated 1 in 2,450 Americans diagnosed each year. Coming after skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer that is found in both men and women in the United States.

In 2019, nearly 2 million new cases of colorectal, and about 1 million deaths were confirmed worldwide, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The American Cancer Society estimates these statistics of colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2020:

• 104,610 new cases of colon cancer
• 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Most colorectal cancer is a slow-growing type of cancer that doesn’t spread quickly but causes life-threatening changes in a human body before symptoms become visible. We asked a few clinics and healthcare centers about possible symptoms of colorectal cancer and how to deal with this type of cancer.

Cleveland Clinic answered:

Unfortunately, colorectal cancer might strike without symptoms. For this reason, it is very important to have regular examinations, called colorectal screenings, to detect problems early. However, not all colorectal cancers are without symptoms. One of the early symptoms of colon cancer might be bleeding. Often, tumors bleed only small amounts, off and on, and evidence of the blood is found only during chemical testing of the stool. When tumors have grown larger, other symptoms might develop. They include:

• Change in bowel habits — Constipation, diarrhea, and bowel incontinence, although usually symptoms of other, less serious, problems, can also be a sign of colorectal cancer. These conditions require medical care and are best treated with a great deal of regular and careful monitoring. To find out if you are suffering from any of these conditions, talk with your doctor and check the health care system’s community-based resources, including Cancers.gov and the NIH Consensus Development Panel for the Colorectal Cancer Genomic Information Network (C2GIN).
• Blood on or in the stool — By far the most alarming of all the symptoms, blood on or in the stool can be a symptom of colorectal cancer. However, it does not necessarily indicate cancer. Numerous other problems can cause bleeding in the digestive tract, including hemorrhoids, ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, to name only a few. In addition, iron and some foods, such as beets, can give the stool a black or red appearance, falsely indicating blood in the stool. However, if you notice blood in your stool, see your doctor to rule out a serious condition and to ensure proper treatment is received. For example, a doctor will tell you the following: how to get rid of hemorrhoid, how to treat ulcerative colitis, etc.
• Unexplained anemia — Anemia is a shortage of red blood cells, the sort that carries oxygen throughout the body. If you are anemic you will most likely feel tired and sluggish, so much so that rest does not make you feel better. This may also make it difficult to fight off the common cold or the flu. There are medications that decrease anemia and help to improve your condition. 
• Unusual stomach or gas pain — this can be a sign of abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the colon or rectum.
• Unexplained weight loss — Cancerous cells may prevent the absorption of food cells in the colon which may result in unexpected weight loss. If you notice this, it might be a good idea to have a colon check.
• Fatigue
• Vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. For a patient with colorectal cancer, early diagnosis and treatment can be a life-saver.

Diagnosis includes a physical examination of colon and rectum, a colorectal biopsy, and a review of a history of cancer cases in a patient’s family. A colorectal biopsy is the examination of tissue taken from the colon and rectum. A rectal exam can help detect several conditions that could lead to cancer of the colon.

Treatment options for colorectal cancer can vary depending on the stage of the disease and the type of cancer. They include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and a combination of these therapies. How much each of these will cost varies widely.

For people with colorectal cancer, the average survival rate is about 5 years. That means that about 1 in 5 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer will survive for a year or more. Even better survival rates are possible for people who are diagnosed before Stage III. That’s why the cost of treatment is so important to consider. Each option has its pros and cons and can be pricey.

Aurora Health Care answered:

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum, both of which make up the large bowel) is most curable when found before it causes symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they might include:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool (bright red or very dark)
• Abdominal (stomach) cramps or frequent gas pains or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Riverside Cancer Care Center answered:

A common symptom of colorectal cancer is a change in bowel habits. Symptoms include:

• Having diarrhea or constipation
• Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
• Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
• Finding your stools are narrower than usual
• Frequently having gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated Losing weight with no known reason
• Feeling very tired all the time
• Having nausea or vomiting

Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause the same symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Usually, early cancer does not cause pain. It is important not to wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor.

Reference:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/
2. https://www.cancer.gov
3. https://www.aurorahealthcare.org