Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Why Early Detection Matters

March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to educate ourselves about this preventable and treatable disease. At Dr. Husain Gheewala’s practice, we believe that knowledge is power—especially when it comes to recognizing the early warning signs of colorectal cancer. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and can literally save lives.

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting Americans, but with proper awareness and regular screenings, we can make substantial progress in reducing its impact. This March, Governor JB Pritzker has signed a proclamation declaring it Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Illinois, highlighting the importance of this health initiative.

Let’s explore the key warning signs that should prompt you to seek medical attention.

Changes in Bowel Habits: When to Be Concerned

One of the most common early indicators of colorectal cancer is a noticeable change in your bowel habits. These changes can manifest in several ways and should never be ignored, especially if they persist for more than a few days.

What to watch for:

• Persistent constipation that doesn’t respond to dietary changes or over-the-counter remedies
• Ongoing diarrhea without an apparent cause like food poisoning or illness
• Narrowing of stool (pencil-thin stools)
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements
• Changes in the consistency of stool that last more than a few days

While occasional changes in bowel movements are normal and often related to diet, hydration, or stress, persistent changes that last for weeks should prompt a conversation with your healthcare provider. Dr. Gheewala recommends keeping a journal of your symptoms to help identify patterns and provide more accurate information during your consultation.

Blood in Stool: Never Ignore This Warning Sign

The presence of blood in your stool is one of the most concerning symptoms and should always prompt medical evaluation. Blood in the stool can appear in different ways depending on where in the digestive tract the bleeding is occurring.

Types of bleeding to be aware of:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
• Dark, tarry stools (melena), which may indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract
• Maroon-colored stools
• Blood mixed within the stool

It’s important to note that bleeding can sometimes be invisible to the naked eye (occult bleeding), which is one reason why regular colorectal cancer screening is so important, even in the absence of symptoms. Screening tests like the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) can detect these small amounts of blood that might otherwise go unnoticed.

While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, never assume blood in your stool is “just hemorrhoids” without proper medical evaluation. Dr. Gheewala emphasizes that any instance of blood in the stool deserves proper medical attention to rule out more serious conditions like colorectal cancer.

Persistent Abdominal Discomfort: Beyond Occasional Digestive Issues

We all experience occasional stomach discomfort, gas, or bloating. However, persistent or severe abdominal pain could signal something more serious like colorectal cancer, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.

Abdominal symptoms that warrant attention:

• Frequent gas pains or cramps
• Feeling full or bloated
• Persistent abdominal discomfort that doesn’t improve with time
• A sensation of pressure in the abdomen or rectum

These symptoms can be particularly concerning if they represent a change from your normal digestive patterns. Many patients describe the pain as different from typical digestive discomfort—it may be more persistent or located in specific areas of the abdomen.

Dr. Gheewala recommends paying attention to when these symptoms occur. Do they happen after eating certain foods? Are they relieved by bowel movements? These details can help determine the cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate testing if needed.

Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue: Systemic Signs

Cancer can affect the body’s metabolism and energy use, sometimes leading to unexplained weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are considered systemic, meaning they affect the entire body rather than just the digestive system.

When to be concerned:

• Losing weight without trying or changing your diet
• Unexpected weight loss of 10 pounds or more
• Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• A general feeling of weakness or malaise that’s new for you

These symptoms can occur because cancer cells demand energy from the body, or because the presence of cancer in the colon or rectum might affect your appetite or the absorption of nutrients from food.

While there are many potential causes for weight loss and fatigue, including stress, thyroid disorders, and other medical conditions, these symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if they occur alongside digestive changes.

Diarrhea and Constipation: When Digestive Issues Signal Something Serious

Alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation that persist over time can be a warning sign of colorectal cancer, particularly if this represents a change from your normal bowel habits.

Why this happens:

• Tumors can partially obstruct the colon, causing alternating symptoms
• Cancer can affect how the colon functions, disrupting normal motility
• Inflammation around a tumor can alter bowel function

It’s important to note that many other conditions can cause similar symptoms, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, and dietary intolerances. However, when these symptoms are new, persistent, or progressive, they should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Dr. Gheewala emphasizes that context matters—new-onset symptoms in someone over 45 years of age or in someone with a family history of colorectal cancer deserve prompt attention.

Taking Action: Screenings Save Lives

Regular screening for colorectal cancer is recommended beginning at age 45 for individuals at average risk. For those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, screening may need to begin earlier.

Screening options include:

• Colonoscopy (recommended every 10 years)
• Stool-based tests (such as FIT or FIT-DNA, done annually)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years)
• CT colonography (every 5 years)

The American Cancer Society and other medical organizations now recommend starting regular screenings at age 45, which is earlier than the previous recommendation of 50. This change reflects the unfortunate trend of colorectal cancer affecting younger populations.

Remember, early detection through screening can find colorectal cancer when it’s most treatable, or even prevent it altogether by removing precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.

This March, as we observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Gheewala encourages all patients to assess their risk factors, discuss appropriate screening options, and be vigilant about potential symptoms. Being proactive about your colorectal health could save your life.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gheewala. Early detection is key to successful treatment of colorectal cancer.