Symptoms of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages because the cancer is very small. Symptoms often appear once a tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as colorectal cancer.

See your doctor if you have these signs or symptoms:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• stool (poop) that looks narrower than usual
• feeling like the rectum is not completely empty after a bowel movement
• bright or very dark red blood in the stool
• bleeding from the rectum
• gas, abdominal cramps and feeling bloated
• pain or discomfort in the rectum
• a lump in the abdomen or rectum
• fatigue and weakness
• anemia, which can cause fatigue and shortness of breath
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• a blockage in the intestine (called a bowel obstruction)
• swollen lymph nodes
• enlarged liver
• jaundice
• a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (called ascites)
• pain in the abdomen, back, buttocks or legs
• breathing problems