What are the early symptoms of colorectal cancer? Three common symptoms

Early symptoms of colorectal cancer include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and unexplained abdominal pain. If you find these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. By identifying these symptoms early, you can detect the disease early and avoid delaying treatment.

1) Changes in bowel habits

In the early stages of colorectal cancer, there may be changes in bowel movement frequency, such as alternating diarrhea and constipation, or irregular bowel movements. Some patients may feel that their bowel movements are not complete or that they have a feeling of intestinal obstruction. This is because tumor growth may cause the intestinal passage to narrow, thus affecting normal bowel movement. If there is persistent bowel abnormality and it cannot be explained by other reasons, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible and undergo a colonoscopy.

2) Blood in stool or abnormal stool color

Blood in the stool or abnormally dark color (such as black stool) is one of the more common early symptoms of colorectal cancer. Blood in the stool may be caused by damage to the intestinal mucosa caused by the tumor, but it should be noted that blood in the stool may also be related to other diseases such as hemorrhoids, and the cause should be further clarified through examination in time. It is recommended that patients first undergo a fecal occult blood test after discovering blood in the stool, and then diagnose through colonoscopy and other means.

3) Unexplained abdominal pain or bloating

Tumors may affect the normal peristalsis of the intestines, causing intestinal stenosis or even partial obstruction, which can lead to abdominal pain or bloating. This pain is usually mild and intermittent, but may become more frequent and severe as the condition worsens. If the abdominal pain is not obviously related to eating, lasts for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should be highly alert to the possibility of colorectal cancer.

Early symptoms of colorectal cancer can be easily confused with other digestive tract diseases. Therefore, if you notice changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, or unexplained abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention and undergo screening as soon as possible. Paying attention to a healthy lifestyle, such as consuming more dietary fiber, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and drinking, can also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are the key to controlling the progression of colorectal cancer and improving the cure rate.