Any bleeding
Abdominal pain
Unexplained weight changes
Your medical history
Your family’s history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Depending on the situation, additional testing may be recommended. Diagnostic evaluation can include stool testing, blood tests, colonoscopy, biopsy, or imaging studies. ([Cancer.org][9])
Importantly, having one of these symptoms does not establish a cancer diagnosis. Only appropriate medical evaluation can determine the cause.
Don’t Wait for Every Warning Sign
Perhaps the most important lesson is that you shouldn’t wait until you have multiple severe symptoms before taking colorectal health seriously.
Some people with colorectal cancer have no symptoms at first. Screening is designed to find cancer or precancerous changes in people who feel completely healthy. ([Cancer.org][6])
That means there are two separate reasons to talk with a healthcare professional:
You have symptoms that concern you.
Or:
You’re due for routine screening.
Both deserve attention.
The Bottom Line
Colon cancer can develop without obvious warning, which makes awareness and screening especially important.
