THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOM IS NO SYMPTOM

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, especially at first. You can have this disease and not know it. That’s why every person should get checked starting at age 45. People at higher risk may need to get screened earlier. Take a little quiz to find out how and when to get checked.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER?

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CHANGING BOWEL HABITS

Changing bowel habits may include intermittent or constant diarrhea and/or constipation, a change in the consistency of your stool, or stools that are more narrow than usual.

PERSISTENT ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT

Abdominal discomfort may present as cramps, gas, or pain. You may also feel full, bloated, or like your bowel is not completely empty. Nausea and vomiting can also be symptoms.

RECTAL BLEEDING

Blood in or on your stool is a symptom of rectal cancer and colon cancer. The blood can be bright red, or the stool may be black and tarry or brick red.

WEAKNESS AND/OR FATIGUE

Weakness and/or fatigue may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Weakness and/or fatigue may be accompanied by anemia or a low red blood cell count.

UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS

A loss of weight for no known reason should always be investigated. Nausea and/or vomiting are also possible symptoms.

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WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOC?

Symptoms of colon cancer and rectal cancer can be associated with many other health conditions. Only a medical professional can determine the cause of your symptoms, so call your doc any time they appear and get checked out!

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