Colorectal Cancer | Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp (say: "pohl-ip"). At first, a polyp is a small, harmless growth in the wall of the colon. However, as a polyp gets larger, it can develop into a cancer that grows and spreads.

See your doctor if you have any of the following warning signs:

• Bleeding from your rectum
• Blood in your stool or in the toilet after you have a bowel movement
• A change in the shape or consistency of your stool (such as diarrhea or constipation lasting several weeks)
• Cramping pain in your lower stomach
• A feeling of discomfort or an urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need to have one
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unintended weight loss

Other conditions can cause these same symptoms. You should see your doctor to find what is causing your symptoms.