Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

The earlier bowel cancer is diagnosed, the more easily and successfully treatable it is. It is therefore very important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, so that they may be checked by your GP.

Common symptoms include:

• A change in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhoea or simply a change in consistency for more than a week or two
• Abdominal pain with a bowel movement
• Blood or mucus in the stools
• Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, including gas or cramps
• A feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied
• Narrow stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Indigestion

Although many of these symptoms are more often associated with more common and less serious conditions such as haemorrhoids (piles), anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis or diverticulosis, it is vital that sufferers seek advice from their GP as soon as possible.