What are the Symptoms of Bowel Cancer?
September 27, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can present a range of symptoms that can vary in severity and manifestation. It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than bowel cancer. Common symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- Changes in Bowel Habits:
- Persistent change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of stools (e.g., narrow or ribbon-like stools).
- Blood in Stools:
- Presence of blood in the stools, which may be bright red or dark in color, suggesting bleeding from the rectum or lower gastrointestinal tract.
- Abdominal Pain or Discomfort:
- Continuous or intermittent abdominal pain or discomfort, often localized in the lower abdomen.
- Bloating and Fullness:
- Persistent bloating, cramping, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, which may not be relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement.
- Unexplained Weight Loss:
- Losing weight unintentionally without making changes in diet or exercise.
- Fatigue and Weakness:
- Persistent fatigue, lack of energy, or a sense of feeling weak.
- Anemia:
- Low levels of red blood cells (anemia) due to chronic bleeding from the colon or rectum, often leading to fatigue and weakness.
- Incomplete Bowel Movements:
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation after having a bowel movement.
- Rectal Bleeding:
- Bleeding from the rectum, either as bright red blood in stools or on toilet tissue.
- Iron Deficiency:
- Low iron levels in the blood, often leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
- Constipation or Narrow Stools:
- Difficulty passing stools, feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, or stools that are narrower than usual.
- Unexplained Bowel Obstruction:
- Blockage or obstruction in the bowel that leads to severe abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, and an inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
- Vomiting:
- Nausea and vomiting, which can occur due to a bowel obstruction.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, especially if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or if you are over the age of 50, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. A healthcare professional will conduct further evaluation, which may include imaging tests (e.g., colonoscopy, CT scan) and biopsies, to diagnose the presence of bowel cancer.