If you’re experiencing (or have experienced) signs and symptoms associated with rectal cancer, it’s important that you’re screened as soon as possible. It’s recommended that if you’re aged 45 and older, you should undergo screening, especially if you’re having unusual symptoms.
Screening is important because many symptoms of rectal cancer are associated with other medical issues, such as hemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease. If symptoms last for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor to be evaluated.
What are the common symptoms of rectal cancer?
It is not unusual for some with rectal cancer not to have any symptoms, particularly when it is early. That is why it’s so important to get screened at the recommended times.
Some of the more common symptoms, when they do appear, are the following:
Dark maroon or bright red blood in your stool
Blood in the stool is a common symptom of rectal cancer and is typically identified as bright red or dark maroon in color. It can also be seen on the toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl. Blood in your stool or with bowel movements can be caused by many conditions, but it is not normal and should be evaluated.
A change in your bowel habits
Changes in your bowel habits may include frequency, change in firmness, softness or any discomfort during a bowel movement.
Stool that’s narrow
If you notice that your stool is narrower, this could indicate a blockage from a suspected tumor.
Feeling as if your bowel doesn’t empty
After a bowel movement, if you continue to feel discomfort and don’t feel as if your bowel has completely emptied, you should share this with your doctor.
Chronic abdominal pain or discomfort
This may also be caused by irregularities in your bowel movements, but experiencing pain in your abdomen is a symptom that could be associated with rectal cancers.
Unexplained weight loss
Changes in your weight, particularly if you aren’t actively trying to lose weight, should be monitored and reported.
Weakness and/or fatigue
Weakness, feeling tired and general fatigue may also be signs of rectal cancer.
Do women experience different rectal cancer symptoms?
Rectal cancer specialists recommend regular screening and consultations with your doctor once symptoms arise, regardless of sex. Symptoms present similarly in both sexes; more important than sex are your individual risk factors and family history of rectal cancer or related diseases.
Signs and symptoms of rectal cancer in young adults
There has been an increase in rectal cancer cases in people under 50. The signs and symptoms of rectal cancer in young adults are the same as in patients of older age. Often young adults don’t think about having cancer and ignore symptoms. Thus, it is even more important to pay attention to symptoms since it could mean you need to be evaluated earlier than recommended.
When you should see your doctor about symptoms
We recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks. The primary symptoms, outlined above, may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, diarrhea and/or constipation, unexpected weight loss and narrower stools.
Your cancer care team will administer one or more tests to evaluate you for rectal cancer. Upon diagnosis, the OSUCCC – James team will work together to develop an individualized treatment plan that is focused on you.
If you have received a rectal cancer diagnosis or if you want a second opinion or just want to speak to a rectal cancer specialist, we are here to help you. Call the OSUCCC – James Colorectal Screening Cancer Clinic at 800-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Related Resources
Rectal Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors
Rectal Cancer Treatment
Rectal Cancer Treatment Team
Rectal Cancer Stages
Colorectal Cancer Rates on the Rise Among Younger Patients