Colon & Rectal Surgery at the University of Louisville -- Patient Information

"Work in Progress" Newsletter

Signs and Symptoms
of Colorectal Cancer

If you have any of the following you should check with your doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment:

a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days

a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so

rectal bleeding or blood in the stool (often, though, the stool will look normal)

cramping or steady abdominal (stomach area) pain

weakness and fatigue.

Other conditions, such as infection, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease, can also cause these symptoms. But only a doctor can determine their cause. It is important to talk to your doctor since finding colorectal cancer early makes successful treatment more likely. It is also possible to have colon cancer and not have any symptoms. If the doctor suspects colon cancer, you will need to have more tests done. Remember that most people with colorectal cancer have normal-looking stool.

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