Symptoms of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages because the cancer is very small. Symptoms often appear once a tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as colorectal cancer.
See your doctor if you have these signs or symptoms:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- stool (poop) that looks narrower than usual
- feeling like the rectum is not completely empty after a bowel movement
- bright or very dark red blood in the stool
- bleeding from the rectum
- gas, abdominal cramps and feeling bloated
- pain or discomfort in the rectum
- a lump in the abdomen or rectum
- fatigue and weakness
-
anemia , which can cause fatigue and shortness of breath - nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- a blockage in the intestine (called a bowel obstruction)
- swollen lymph nodes
- enlarged liver
-
jaundice - a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (called ascites)
- pain in the abdomen, back, buttocks or legs
- breathing problems
Need more information?
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