5 Signs Of Colon Rectal Cancer

These 5 signs of colon rectal cancer are easy to spot once you know more about the disease. Colon cancer forms in tissue of the colon or the large intestine's longest section. Rectal cancer forms in the large intestine's last several inches, those closest to the anus. Either of these can be called colorectal cancer. Most colon rectal cancers are "adenocarcinomas," beginning in cells that produce fluids such as mucus.

The National Cancer Institute estimates 102,900 colon cancer cases and 39,670 rectal cancer cases occur each year in the United States. Knowing five signs of colon rectal cancer is important because the estimated annual death toll from the two combined is 51,370.

The first of five signs of colon rectal cancer is changing bowel habits, such constipation, diarrhea or not completely emptying. Finding bright red or very dark blood in your stool is a second of five signs of colon rectal cancer. If your stool is narrower than usual, that can be another of five signs of colon rectal cancer. Another of five signs of colon rectal cancer is frequent cramps or gas pains or feeling bloated or full. If you have rapid unexplained weight loss with constant fatigue and nausea or vomiting, it could be yet another of five signs of colon rectal cancer.

These symptoms could be signs of other health problems or they could be just temporary. So the most important thing is to go see a doctor who is trained to evaluate these symptoms, such as an oncologist. Cancer usually doesn't cause pain in its early stages, so don't wait until any of these five signs of colon rectal cancer becomes painful to see a doctor.