Colon Cancer Quiz
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Blood in stool
Abdominal pain
Constipation symptoms
Constant fatigue
Stomach ache
Lower abdominal pain
Sensation of not emptying bowel
Gastric pain in chest
Irregular bowel movements
Thin stools
Feeling tired all the time
Unexplained weight loss
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Colon Cancer?
Cancer of the large intestine which is the final part of the digestive tumors. It often grows from non-cancerous polyps in the intestine. Both polyps and colon cancers can be found during colonoscopy (camera test of colon). Symptoms can include blood in stool, diarrhea or constipation or both, or abdominal pain but many times there are no symptoms and the cancer is found on colonoscopy. It can be easily treated in early stages, so the general population is encouraged to get screened with colonoscopy and sometimes stool tests. Risk factors include a family history of colon cancer or polyps, or a personal history of abnormal polyps, low-fiber high-fat diets, some inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, obesity, and lack of exercise.
Typical Symptoms of Colon Cancer
- Stool has become narrower in caliber, like a pencil
- Blood in stool
- History of abnormal colonoscopy, i.e. colon camera
- Previously diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis
- Black, shiny stool
- Diagnosed with Crohn's disease in the past
- Constipation with urge to go but unable to pass stool
- Bleeding from the anus
Diagnostic Questions for Colon Cancer
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Is your stool thin and narrow like a pencil?
- Have you noticed any blood in your stool?
- Have you ever had any issues with a colonoscopy?
- Have you been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis?
- Have you had black, shiny stools?
Treatment of Colon Cancer
In most cases a gastroenterologist will diagnose the tumor with a biopsy during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. They will then order CT scans and MRIs and will refer the patient to a colorectal surgeon. A medical oncologist may be consulted to discuss recommendations for chemotherapy before or after surgery and sometimes a radiation oncologist will give radiotherapy to the area. Since the types of treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these, it is often important to be treated by a multidisciplinary team, particularly in the case of rectal cancers.
Reviewed By:
Robin Schoenthaler, MD (Oncology)
Board certified radiation oncologist with over 30 years experience treating cancer patients. Senior physician advisor for expert medical options in adult oncology. Published award-winning essayist on medical and health issues and more.
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Content updated on Jan 14, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
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History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Long and thin poop
- Stringy poop
- Stools looks like strawberry jam
- Pencil thin stools
- Black poop
- Poo became thin
- Stool looks like raspberry jelly
- Narrow stools
- Poop looks like strawberry jam
- Poo looks like currant jelly
- Blood and mucus in stool
- Stool looks like jelly
- Tarry stools
- Bloody diarrhea
- Red sticky poo
See full list
Symptoms Related to Colon Cancer
Diseases Related to Colon Cancer
FAQs
Q.
Colonoscopy for Women 30-45: Red Flags & Your Action Plan
A.
Routine screening usually begins at 45, but women 30 to 45 should ask about colonoscopy sooner if they have red flags like recurrent rectal bleeding, persistent bowel changes for more than 2 to 3 weeks, unexplained iron deficiency anemia, concerning abdominal pain or weight loss, or a strong family history or inflammatory bowel disease. Your action plan includes knowing your family history, tracking symptoms, improving lifestyle habits, using a symptom checker, and speaking to a clinician early since colonoscopy can both find and remove polyps. There are several factors to consider and important timing details that can change next steps, so see below for the complete guidance.
References:
* Vuik FE, Nieuwenburg S, Westerink LM, Leenders M, Ponsioen CY, van der Meulen MP, Dekker E, Cats A, Fockens P, van Eeden S, van der Post RS, van Gorp J, van Engeland M, van Hees K, Dekker J, Lacle M, Stolk R, van Geest G, Oldenburg B. Rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut. 2019 Jun;68(6):1002-1011. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-316712. Epub 2018 Oct 17. PMID: 30333256.
* Ma C, Zhao Y, Luo X, Zheng Y, Xie J, Song M, Wang S, Li J. Symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer: a case-control study. Cancer. 2021 Jul 15;127(14):2510-2521. doi: 10.1002/cncr.33532. Epub 2021 Apr 19. PMID: 33871071.
* Syngal S, Brand RE, Church JM, Giardiello FE, Horton IJ, Lynch HT, Offit K, Peters JA, Rubenstein J, Shannon KM, St John DJ, Stoffel EM, Burt RW. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes: Recommendations From the American College of Gastroenterology. Am J Gastroenterol. 2015 Oct;110(10):1497-511. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2015.324. Epub 2015 Sep 22. PMID: 26391452.
* Singh S, Feuerstein JD, Kvasnovsky CL, Cheifetz AS. Colorectal Cancer Surveillance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of Current Guidelines and Future Directions. Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2018 Nov 1;9(11):205. doi: 10.1038/s41424-018-0056-1. PMID: 30385750; PMCID: PMC6376510.
* Gupta S, Ma D, Halverson AL, Ross JS, Chung DC. Colorectal Cancer Screening in Younger Adults: New Guidelines and Clinical Implications. J Clin Oncol. 2021 May 20;39(15):1621-1631. doi: 10.1200/JCO.20.03058. Epub 2021 Apr 22. PMID: 33886524.
Q.
Colon Cancer Poop: 5 Signs Women 65+ Should Never Ignore
A.
Women 65 and older should not ignore five colon cancer stool signs: any blood in the stool, persistent thin or pencil like stools, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, frequent mucus or a constant urge to go, and unexplained anemia or fatigue that may reflect hidden bleeding. These are about patterns that last more than 2 to 3 weeks and should prompt a call to your doctor and up to date screening, since colon cancer is highly treatable when found early. There are several factors and next steps to consider, including when to seek care, what tests to ask about, and how to describe symptoms, so see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Nielsen, H. N., Murchie, P., & Campbell, N. C. (2018). Colorectal Cancer Symptoms in Older Adults: A Systematic Review. *Journal of Geriatric Oncology*, *9*(4), 387–395. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29961688/
* Brenner, H., & Hoffmeister, M. (2016). Symptomatology of Colorectal Cancer in Older Adults: A Population-Based Study. *Journal of the American Geriatrics Society*, *64*(1), 164–169. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26687483/
* Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., Wagle, N., & Jemal, A. (2023). Cancer statistics, 2023. *CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians*, *73*(1), 17-48. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36633252/
* Douaiher, J., Dhuli, K., & Kordahi, M. (2021). Colorectal Cancer: Current Perspectives on Risk Factors, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. *Current Oncology Reports*, *23*(11), 127. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34687000/
* Barth, H., von Wirth, K., & Steigleder, T. (2016). The incidence of colorectal cancer symptoms in a general practice population aged 50-79 years. *Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie*, *54*(7), 659–665. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27448347/
Q.
Pencil-Thin Stools and Blood: Identifying Colon Cancer Stool Changes
A.
Pencil-thin stools and blood in stool can be warning signs of colon cancer, especially if they last more than 2 to 3 weeks, worsen, or occur with other issues like black tarry stools, a feeling of incomplete emptying, weight loss, or fatigue, though common causes like hemorrhoids or IBS are also possible. There are several factors to consider. See complete details below for specific red flags, noncancer causes, who is at higher risk, how screening and stool tests fit in, and clear guidance on when to contact a doctor or seek urgent care.
References:
* Sunkara, A., & Tepper, J. E. (2020). Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms. *Seminars in Oncology Nursing*, *36*(3), 151020.
* Rawla, P., & Sunkara, T. (2020). Colorectal Cancer: An Update on Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Screening, and Prevention. *Gastroenterology Research*, *13*(2), 65-71.
* Weinberg, B. A., & Goldberg, J. E. (2023). Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: Clinical and Molecular Characteristics. *Journal of Clinical Oncology*, *41*(16), 2884-2895.
* El-Sharkawy, H., & El-Sharkawy, J. (2023). Rectal bleeding: an often ignored red flag. *Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology*, *38*(3), 395-397.
* O'Connell, J. B., & Magnuson, A. (2021). The clinical spectrum of colorectal cancer in young patients: a systematic review. *Journal of Surgical Research*, *262*, 1-10.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Mayo Clinic: Colon Cancer
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669NCI: Colorectal Cancers, Patient Version
https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectalColorectal Alliance:What is Colorectal Cancer
https://www.ccalliance.org/colorectal-cancer-information/what-is-colorectal-cancer