Colorectal cancer: Early warning signs and symptoms

Dr. Vivek Belathur

During the early stages of colorectal cancer, symptoms may be slight or non-existent, though there may be some early warning signs. Colorectal cancer symptoms may not appear until the disease has advanced to stage 2 or beyond. For persons over 50, at high risk, or with a family history of the disease or other cancers, regular screening tests for cancer of the colon or rectum, particularly with a colonoscopy, are suggested as part of a health plan.

Most colorectal cancers (about 95 percent) are spor a d i c, wh i c h means that the genetic mutations occur by chance after a person is born, and there is no risk of passing these changes down to one’s children. Inherited colorectal cancers are less prevalent (approximately 5%), and occur when gene mutations, or alterations, are passed down from generation to generation within a family. The cause of colorectal cancer is frequently unknown, with factors such as age, race, inflammatory bowel diseases, history, etc., increasing the risks.

Warning signs and symptoms
Due to the absence of evident signs or symptoms, it is critical to follow the screening guidelines, as early cancer diagnosis helps achieve better success and recovery rates.

Symptoms also vary depending on the size and location of cancer in the large intestine. However, there is no single sign or symptom that suggests the presence of colon cancer.

Colorectal tumours frequently bleed into the intestine, although most of the time the stool appears normal. However, blood loss can accumulate over time, resulting in low red blood cell counts (anaemia). A low red blood cell count on a blood test can be the earliest symptom of colorectal cancer.

A big liver felt on inspection, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), or problems breathing from disease spread to the lungs are all symptoms that cancer has progressed to the liver.

These symptoms should be discussed with a doctor, even if they are caused by other, less dangerous illnesses like haemorrhoids, ulcers, or Crohn’s disease. Blood in the stool should never be overlooked, even if it appears only seldom.

When should you see a doctor?
If any concerning persistent symptoms are detected, seek immediate medical assistance. Consult your doctor about when you should start colon cancer screening post 50 years of age. Other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease, might necessitate more frequent or early screenings.

(The author is a senior consultant of medical oncology at Fortis Hospitals.)