Colorectal Cancer Defined : Symptoms and Diagnosis

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 2 of 5)

Most cancers in their early, most treatable stages don't cause any symptoms. That is why it is important to have regular tests to check for cancer even when you might not notice anything wrong.

When colorectal cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms at all. But as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that people should watch for. Common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• a change in the frequency of bowel movements
• diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

Common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• either bright red or very dark blood in the stool
• stools that are narrower than usual
• general abdominal discomfort such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and/or cramps

Common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• weight loss with no known reason
• constant tiredness
• vomiting

These symptoms may be caused by colorectal cancer or by other conditions. It is important to check with a doctor if you have symptoms because only a doctor can make a diagnosis. Don't wait to feel pain. Early cancer usually doesn't cause pain.

Lower your risk factors where possible. Colon cancer can be prevented if polyps that lead to the cancer are detected and removed. If colon cancer is found in its early stages, it is up to 90 percent curable.

Colon Cancer Screening Methods

Beginning at age 50, the following tools are all used for early detection. They can help identify pre-cancerous conditions. If you are younger than 50 and one of your first-degree relatives has had colon cancer, you should consult with your doctor.

Tools used for early detection: A fecal occult blood test, or FOBT, is a test used to check for hidden blood in the stool. Sometimes cancers or polyps can bleed, and FOBT can detect small amounts of bleeding.

Tools used for early detection: A sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the rectum and lower colon - or sigmoid colon - using a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope.

Colonoscopy

Tools used for early detection: A colonoscopy is an examination of the rectum and entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope.

Tools used for early detection: A double contrast barium enema , or DCBE, is a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum. The patient is given an enema with a solution that contains barium, a substance that outlines the colon and rectum on the x-rays.

Tools used for early detection: A digital rectal exam, or DRE, is an exam in which the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas.

Quiz

1. Early signs of cancer are often painful.

FALSE is the correct answer. Most cancers in their early, most treatable stages don't cause any symptoms.

2. One important reason to get tested for colorectal cancer is to find polyps that could become cancerous.

TRUE is the correct answer. Colon cancer may be prevented if polyps that lead to the cancer are detected and removed. Beginning at age 50, get tests that allow for early detection. This will help identify pre-cancerous polyps. If colon cancer is found in its early stages, it is up to 90 percent curable.

3. A colonoscopy is an examination of the rectum and lower colon, using a lighted instrument.

FALSE is the correct answer. A colonoscopy is an examination of the rectum and ENTIRE colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope. An examination of the rectum and lower colon - also called the sigmoid colon - using a lighted instrument is called a sigmoidoscopy.

4. Common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool and general abdominal discomfort.

TRUE is the correct answer. Either bright red or very dark blood in the stool and general abdominal discomfort may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer. Other signs include: a change in frequency of bowel movements; diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely; stools that are narrower than usual; weight loss with no known reason; constant tiredness; and vomiting. Many of these symptoms can arise from non-cancerous conditions.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.