Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer

The top symptoms of colorectal cancer are sometimes the life-saving indications you need in order to get yourself the treatment that you require, and fast. Colorectal cancer is actually a cancer that targets both your colon and rectum, and like all forms of cancer, it is nasty because of the hazard that it can spread to other organs and tissues that are right next to your colon and rectum.

1. Fatigue. Fatigue is a symptom of colorectal cancer that is non-specific and can be because of lots of other causes. However, if you feel yourself feeling more fatigued doing the same things you have been doing in past years, you may want to see a doctor anyway.
2. Shortness of Breath. Shortness of breath is another common symptom of colorectal cancer, but like fatigue, it, too, is non-specific and can be caused by lots of other conditions like asthma or respiratory problems. However, since shortness of breath is not a natural or favorable condition to experience, you should see a doctor for it anyway.
3. Narrow Stools. When your stool comes out of your anus in a narrow shape, then you have to start thinking that it may be due to rectal or colonic obstruction. This is a pretty good telltale sign of colorectal cancer since it is more definite and less broad than symptoms like fatigue.
4. Change in Bowel Habits. While a change in bowel habits is, again, more non-specific and can even be due to more harmless things like not getting enough fiber or having an irregular eating schedule, it still is one of the main symptoms of colorectal cancer. You may want to check with a doctor even for this symptom of colorectal cancer.
5. Constipation or Diarrhea. While this is getting redundant, both constipation and diarrhea are not specific to just colorectal cancer and can be due to both serious as well as less serious reasons. With either of these symptoms of colorectal cancer, you should monitor to see if they resolve on their own or are more serious.
6. Blood in Stool. Having blood in your stool is a sign that something is very wrong with your body for sure, but, unfortunately, many other illnesses share this symptom of colorectal cancer! The moment you notice blood in your stool, be it bright red or more dark blood, see a doctor at once.
7. Weight Loss. If you are losing weight, that should be enough concern for you to bring yourself to a doctor anyway. Like many symptoms of colorectal cancer, it is non-specific and can be due to many illnesses or causes.
8. Abdominal Pain. If you have cancer in your colon or rectum, you are naturally going to feel pain in the abdominal region. Trouble is, again, that abdominal pain can also be from non-serious things like eating improperly. If you have doubts about what is causing your pain, see a doctor.