Constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common symptoms that can be attributed to various conditions, ranging from a simple stomach virus to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease. These symptoms are also associated with colorectal cancer. It’s often challenging to discern when these digestive issues warrant medical attention.
“Any time symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, they are cause for concern,” advises gastroenterologist David Richards, M.D. from MD Anderson Cancer Center. “That’s particularly true if they’re accompanied by abdominal pain, bloody stools or unintentional weight loss.”
To shed light on this, we’ve gathered insights from six patients who bravely shared their experiences, detailing how they recognized the signs of colorectal cancer and sought timely medical help. Their stories underscore the importance of listening to your body and acting on persistent symptoms.
Spotting Blood in the Stool: A Wake-Up Call
“I experienced bloody stools, bowel changes, and abdominal pains for months,” recounts Anatole Karpovs, M.D., a pediatrician from Louisiana, who received his diagnosis in 2013. “But as a 37-year-old doctor juggling a busy practice and family life, I didn’t prioritize my own health. I explained away or minimized my symptoms. It was only when they became impossible to ignore that I finally sought treatment.”
Image alt text: Dr. Anatole Karpovs, colon cancer survivor, emphasizes the importance of early symptom recognition.
Robert Harris, diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 76, also noticed a critical symptom. “I started having dark stools and some lower abdominal pain. My family doctor initially suspected appendicitis due to the pain’s location on my right side,” explains the retired army veteran. “During a check-up, she performed a digital exam and discovered blood in my stool.”
Diarrhea: When It’s More Than Just Digestive Upset
Courtney Nash, diagnosed at 35, had a long history of digestive problems due to ulcerative colitis. She was accustomed to chronic diarrhea, frequent stomach aches, and other gastrointestinal issues for over two decades.
“After my second daughter’s birth in 2011, my digestive symptoms intensified dramatically,” says Courtney, a sugar cane farmer from Texas. “I began losing weight, experiencing hair loss, and even noticed blood in my stool occasionally.”
Image alt text: Colon cancer survivor Courtney Nash shares her experience with persistent diarrhea as a key symptom.
Constipation and Bowel Movement Changes: Recognizing a Shift in Regularity
“I started experiencing bathroom issues in the fall of 2015,” remembers John Kennedy, a 48-year-old factory worker from Indiana at the time of his diagnosis. “Constipation persisted for two to three weeks. Initially, I tried home remedies, thinking greasy food might help. However, the stomach pain became so severe one day that I had to leave work and seek urgent care.”
Abigail Pardo, diagnosed with colorectal cancer shortly after high school graduation in 2013, also initially dismissed her symptoms. “I’ve always been prone to constipation, so it didn’t seem unusual,” Abigail notes. “But a few months later, I started experiencing shortness of breath even with minimal activity. Lifting heavy objects would lead to vomiting. My family pointed out my paleness. Eventually, I consulted a doctor.”
Image alt text: Young colon cancer survivor Abigail Pardo highlights constipation and fatigue as symptoms she initially overlooked.
Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue: Signs Not to Ignore
“Most people tend to gain weight during the holidays,” says Kenneth Rolston, M.D., a retired infectious diseases specialist from MD Anderson, diagnosed at 66. “However, by early 2017, I had been steadily losing weight for about four months without trying. I was also experiencing significant fatigue.”
Kenneth finally sought medical advice after his wife noticed his weight loss. “You are literally melting away before my eyes,” she said one evening. “What will it take for you to see a doctor?”
Image alt text: Dr. Kenneth Rolston, colon cancer survivor, emphasizes unexplained weight loss and fatigue as critical indicators.
Alarm Symptoms: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Colorectal cancer symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and fatigue are common and can be caused by numerous conditions. However, certain “alarm symptoms” should prompt immediate medical consultation. If you experience one or more of these, consider it a red flag:
- Rectal bleeding
- Black, tarry, or sticky stools
- Unusual and severe fatigue impacting daily activities
- Low blood count (anemia)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Iron-deficiency anemia
“Symptoms like diarrhea and constipation are very general and can stem from various issues,” Dr. Richards clarifies. “They don’t automatically indicate colorectal cancer. But if a symptom persists and isn’t a one-time occurrence, it definitely warrants a conversation with your doctor.”
If you are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms or any of the alarm symptoms mentioned, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Early detection is vital in improving outcomes for colon cancer.
To request an appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center, you can visit their website or call 1-877-632-6789.
