According to the American Cancer Society, over 107,000 cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a month aimed to bring attention to colorectal cancer, promote early detection and screening, and support individuals and families affected by this disease. Understanding the signs and symptoms and receiving an early diagnosis can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome if colon cancer is detected.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer originates in the large intestine and affects the rectum and/or the colon. The exact cause is unknown, however there are some factors that may increase your risk of this type of cancer, such as age, family history, increased alcohol consumption or lack of physical activity.
In many cases, not all symptoms will be present and some may be dormant for a while. In other cases, symptoms are not directly linked to colorectal cancer, but it’s still important to contact your physician if you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined below.
Change in Bowel Habits
A sudden change in bowel movements is a symptom you don’t want to ignore. These could include constipation, diarrhea, changes in stool consistency or blood in the stool that is persistent and uncomfortable. These changes in bowel habits could be a sign of a rectal tumor or cancerous bleeding.
Ongoing Discomfort
Experiencing ongoing discomfort in the bowel region can also be a sign of colorectal cancer. This pain could be described as any ache, pain or cramp and could feel like bloating. You may also experience a feeling of not being able to fully empty your bowels.
Unexplained Fatigue and Weight Loss
Unexplainable fatigue or weight loss can also be warning signs attributed to colorectal cancer. While these symptoms are not always due to cancer, experiencing extreme weight loss and/or fatigue paired with any of the other symptoms mentioned above should be brought to the attention of a medical professional.
Testing
If you are experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms, your physician will likely conduct a series of tests to determine if you may be at risk for cancer. These tests will depend on many factors including age, family history and how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms. Some of the most common testing methods to diagnose colorectal cancer include colonoscopies, biopsies, stool-based tests and CT scans. From these results, your physician will assess the findings and determine next steps.
Treatment
There are several types of treatment for colorectal cancer and will vary based on its location within the colon or rectum, stage, size of the affected area and overall health of the patient. The primary treatment option is surgery. Other options could include chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy.
Preventive health screenings lead to earlier detection and more positive outcomes for most forms of cancer. It’s important to examine all options regarding treatment and work closely with a health care provider to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should discuss it with your doctor immediately. Southwoods Health offers a comprehensive network of care including primary care physicians, imaging services and the Center for Digestive Health & General Surgery. Visit SouthwoodsHealth.com for more information.
