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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Introduction to Cancer by Type > Colon and Rectal Cancer: Introduction > Colon and Rectal Cancer: Symptoms

Colon and Rectal Cancer: Symptoms

Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms associated with early-stage colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society lists the following symptoms associated with more advanced stages of colorectal cancer:⁽¹⁾

• Bleeding in the rectum
• Bloody stools (Can be bright red or dark depending on the location of the tumor)
• A change in bowel habits
• Cramps in the colorectal region
• Anemia from the blood loss
• Weakness and fatigue

While these symptoms may be caused by factors unrelated to colorectal cancer, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out cancer.

References for this page:

1. Cancer Facts and Figures 2010. American Cancer Society. [http://www.cancerquest.org/multimedia/pdf/facts&figures2010.pdf]