Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: 8 signs to see your doctor
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Stools that are narrower than usual–like the size of a pen or pencil
- Frequent gas pains, bloating, a feeling of fullness, or abdominal cramps
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Feeling you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having one
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, that lasts for more than a few days
- Unexpected weakness or fatigue
- No symptoms
- Smoking
- Little fruit, vegetable, and fiber consumption
- Overweight and obese
- Lack of physical activity and exercise
- Heavy alcohol use
- Diabetes
- A diet high in red meat (beef, pork, lamb), processed meats, and fats
- Meat preparation including grilling, broiling, frying, or other methods at very high temperatures
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
