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Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer develops with few or no symptoms at first. According to the National Cancer Institute, symptoms may include:
- ♦ A change in bowel habits
- ♦ Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- ♦ Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool
- ♦ Stools that are narrower than usual
- ♦ General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and/or cramps)
- ♦ Weight loss with no known reason
- ♦ Constant tiredness
- ♦ Vomiting
Because these symptoms may be caused by colorectal cancer or by some other condition, be sure to check with a doctor.
Screening and Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer
- ♦ Screening is the best way to find colorectal cancer early, when treatment can be most effective.
- ♦ Colorectal cancer screening can also prevent cancer, by finding pre-cancerous polyps, which can then be removed before they turn into cancer.
- ♦ Screening for most adults should begin at age 50. People who are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or those with a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease) should talk with their doctor to see if they should begin screening earlier. Fact sheets on colorectal cancer screening are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website.
- ♦ Screening tests include the following:
| Test |
Frequency of test for adults over age 50 at average risk |
| Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) |
Once a year |
| Flexible Sigmoidoscopy |
Once every 5 years |
| Barium Enema |
Once every 5 – 10 years |
| Colonoscopy |
Once every 10 years |
| Combined FOBT & Flexible Sigmoidoscopy |
FOBT once a year and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy once every 5 years |
Source: CDC Publication #099-6486, March 2002 |
