Symptoms of Colorectal cancer

Rectal bleeding is the most common symptom of colorectal cancer, but there are some other signs which your doctor should recognize as indicators of the disease. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

1. Defecating less frequently

2. Narrow stools

3. Weight loss

4. Fatigue

5. Cramping and bloating

6. Gas

7. Nausea and vomiting

8. Blood in stool

9. A false feeling of the need to defecate

10. Anemia

How colorectal cancer goes undetected

Early detection of colorectal cancer could save your life. Your doctor has a responsibility to recommend the proper tests at the appropriate time of life for you, based on your medical and family history, even if you do not yet have any symptoms. If you do report symptoms to your doctor, he or she should address them promptly. Common errors leading to undiagnosed colorectal cancer include:

1. Failure to recognize and address common symptoms of colorectal cancer

2. Failure to address family history of colorectal cancer

3. Failing to recommend colonoscopy

4. Mistakes in the performance of colonoscopy

5. Failing to work up low red blood cell counts that are persistent