Blood in Stool? 7 Tell-tale Signs of Colorectal Cancer

Ever gone to the bathroom, done your business and experienced blood in your stool? This could undoubtedly be a sign of colorectal cancer. Some symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, an unexplained change in bowel movements, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, fatigue, and low iron levels.

To bring down your risk of colorectal cancer, ensure you eat healthy, stay active, avoid smoking and alcohol and get regular screenings done.

1. Alterations in Bowel Habit

Persistent diarrhoea? Constipation? Or a change in the size or shape of stools? Well, such changes might last for more than a few days. This might include persistent changes or a shift in stool consistency.

You might experience narrower or ribbon-like stools because a tumour blocks the bowel. Some might also feel as if they haven’t evacuated their bowels properly. Such changes might persist for over a few days and worsen over time.

2. Blood in Stool

Blood in the stool is an essential symptom of colorectal cancer. However, it might be caused by other conditions like haemorrhoids. Ever wondered, “Why is there blood in my stool?”

The blood might appear red or dark, depending on where the bleeding occurs in the colon or rectum. Bright red blood indicates bleeding in the lower colon, while dark red blood suggests bleeding higher in the colon.

Noticing blood in your stool? Seek medical advice immediately. When it comes to colorectal cancer, colon bleeding symptoms are the first things that you must look into. Rectal bleeding causes could be the main reason for colorectal cancer.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

When it comes to colon cancer symptoms, unexplained weight loss is foremost. Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of colorectal cancer, happening without any alterations in diet or exercise. As the cancer grows, it can throw digestion out of whack, leading to unintended weight loss.

Cancer might cause the body to use more energy, resulting in weight loss. This symptom might also be linked to malnutrition. Losing weight rapidly? Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive test.

4. Constant Abdominal Pain

Constant blood in stool and abdominal pain can be a sign of colorectal cancer, especially as the tumour grows and messes with normal bowel function. This pain might present as cramping, bloating or discomfort, especially in the lower abdomen, and might worsen after eating.

As the tumour blocks the colon, it can result in a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. Also, localised pain might occur if the cancer spreads to the surrounding organs. Have abdominal pain? Get it looked at because it might be a sign of colorectal cancer.

5. Fatigue or Weakness

Fatigue or weakness is a common symptom of colorectal cancer, often happening because of anaemia due to chronic blood loss or the body’s response to cancer. Tumours bleed slowly - even small amounts of blood in the stool can result in significant blood loss over time, bringing down red blood cell count and resulting in tiredness, weakness and energy loss. Cancer can cause the body to work harder to fight the disease, resulting in exhaustion.

6. Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea or vomiting can happen in individuals with colorectal cancer, especially if the tumour causes a blockage or obstruction in the intestines. This can prevent food from passing through the digestive system properly, resulting in nausea and vomiting.

This blockage might cause a gas and fluid buildup in the stomach, worsening these symptoms. Nausea and vomiting can occur because the body reacts to the cancer or its treatments.

Suppose nausea or vomiting, along with other symptoms like abdominal pain, bowel habit change or weight loss, are persistent. In that case, it is vital to seek medical intervention.

7. The Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Movement

A feeling of incomplete bowel movement might be a symptom of colorectal cancer, especially if a tumour blocks the colon or rectum. This sensation happens when a person feels the urge to pass more stool even after a bowel movement, as if the intestines haven’t emptied fully.

The blockage that the tumour causes can prevent stool from passing comfortably, leading to discomfort and a constant feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen. Suppose this feeling persists and appears with other symptoms like blood in stool or abdominal pain. In that case, it might be essential to consult a healthcare provider.

As far as cancers go, colorectal cancer might not be as prevalent as breast cancer, lung cancer or prostate cancer. However, it is just as dangerous as other cancers and requires immediate medical assistance. If you or anyone you know has blood in their stool, they need to get it checked asap for colorectal cancer so they can be cancer-free and live a full life.