Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Unfortunately, colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms until it starts to spread.
At that point, symptoms can include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in the stool or very dark stool
- Changes in bowel habits, such as increased frequency or feeling that you cannot empty your bowels completely
Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer
Because early stage colorectal cancer does not usually have symptoms, regular screening is the best way to detect a problem. Screening can detect removable precancerous lesions.
It can also identify colorectal cancer early enough to respond well to treatment. People at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should begin annual screening at age 50.
The most accurate and recommended method of screening is the colonoscopy, a complete examination of the large intestine to detect and prevent cancer through the removal of noncancerous polyps.
If you cannot have a colonoscopy, other options include:
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). This is a kit you use to collect stool and send to a lab. If blood is detected, a follow-up colonoscopy is suggested. The Cancer Institute offers them free for people with no insurance.
- Virtual Colonoscopy (Colonography). The colon is filled with air and a special CT scan is performed. It is less accurate than a colonoscopy and does not allow the doctors to remove polyps.
- Sigmoidoscopy. Performed in the doctor’s office, this detects polyps or tumors in the lower portion of the colon and rectum only.
Treating Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation - or a combination of the three.
Common surgeries for colorectal cancer include:
- Polypectomy: Your surgeon removes a polyp from the wall of your colon using an electric current from a wire loop passed through a colonoscope
- Local incision: Removal of polyps on the colon’s inner lining using tools passed through a colonoscope
- Colectomy: Removal of all or part of the colon. Partial removal is called a hemicolectomy. Using laparoscopic technology, helps your surgeon perform the procedure through small incisions