Colorectal cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of the deadly disease—in the United States, it’s responsible for the second most cancer deaths. As with most forms of cancer, though, the key to surviving and beating colorectal cancer is to catch the disease early.
That can be accomplished by being knowledgeable about the disease and having a solid understanding of its signs and symptoms. Although experiencing just one of the symptoms associated with colorectal cancer can be common, prolonged and/or intense activity associated with several of these symptoms can be a sign that you should see a doctor as soon as possible…
1. Blood in the Stool
One of the most prominent signs of colorectal cancer is blood in the stool, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This occurs because, when tumors form, they often bleed as fecal matters passes through and out of the body. The amount of blood can be small or moderate, though bleeding can be heavier if the tumors have grown larger.
Of course, blood in the stool should not immediately cause you to worry. Many other and less harmful conditions, such as hemorrhoids and constipation, can result in blood showing in the stool. Still, this one symptom alone is probably worth discussing with your physician.