A 38-year-old member asked:
What are early symptoms of colorectal cancer?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
May be none: Many early cancers do not have any symptoms and that is why it is important to have screening tests done, e.g., colonoscopy at age 50 for prevention of colo-rectal cancer. Symptoms may be change in bowel habits, bleeding per rectum, anemia, bowel obstruction and the first symptoms may be from metastases to other organs such as liver.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Elie Schochetanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 20 years experience
Few if any: Colon cancer is generally a very silent disease until it is advanced often early stage i and ii cancers will have no symptoms which is why routine screening colonoscopy is so important. Abdominal pain rectal bleeding unexplained weight loss fatigue may all be associated with a more advanced cancer. Total obstruction or perforation may be found in bet advanced cancers.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
CA
A 31-year-old member asked:
What are common early symptoms of colorectal cancer?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 36 years experience
Often "silent": Unfortunately, colon cancers may develop "under the radar" for quite some time before symptoms occur. The earliest sign is usually anemia caused by a slowly bleeding tumor. As the cancer grows, it may block the colon causing cramping pain, bloating, and/or pencil-thin stools. The gold standard for diagnosing colorectal cancer is screening colonoscopy at age 50, or earlier with a family history.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 27-year-old member asked:
What are common symptoms of colorectal cancer?
4 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 36 years experience
Blockage, Bleeding: The most common symptoms associated with colon cancer include (cramping) abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits ("pencil-thin stools"), bloody bowel movements, weakness/fatigue, and/or weight loss. The goal, of course, is to diagnose colon cancers before symptoms develop; i advise colonoscopy at age 50, or earlier if there is a family history.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 29, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.