If you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you, give us a call to schedule an appointment. No matter what, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center’s health care professionals are here to support you at every step.
Many patients do not experience any symptoms of colorectal cancer in its early stages. The most common sign of colon cancer is a polyp, a small non-cancerous growth on the colon wall that can become cancerous. As a polyp grows, it may bleed or block the intestine. With bleeding, you may notice blood in your stool and a blood test may show you have a low red blood cell count.
The symptoms below can happen at any stage of colorectal cancer – early, late or even end-stage. While colorectal cancer is found slightly more often in men than women, the symptoms are the same.
Many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than colorectal cancer, such as infection, hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Still, if you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s important you talk to your doctor so the cause can be found and treated.
Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinoma, cancer on the lining of the colon. Adenocarcinomas typically start as tissue growth called a polyp. Polyps can be removed during a routine colonoscopy before they become cancerous.
Less common types of cancers that begin in the colon or rectum include: