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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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.
Is Cancer Genetic? The Reality of Lynch Syndrome and Medical Next Steps
A.
Cancer is sometimes genetic, and Lynch syndrome is a key example that significantly increases the risk of colon and endometrial cancers; overall, about 5 to 10 percent of cancers are inherited. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand red flags in family history, how Lynch is inherited, and the next steps like genetic counseling, testing, and earlier, more frequent colonoscopy and related screenings that can save lives.
References:
* Boland CR. Lynch Syndrome: An Update. N Engl J Med. 2023 Jul 27;389(4):346-357. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra2215424. PMID: 37490795.
* Stigliano V, Cencioni C, D'Angelo C, Stigliano V, Bischetti S, Borro M, De Luca M, Balducci S, Balducci E, Di Franco G, Capuano S, Fragnoli D, Martini M, Ciolli P, Del Bene G, Stigliano M, Cini C. Detection and Management of Lynch Syndrome: A Review. Front Oncol. 2021 Jan 12;10:600720. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2020.600720. PMID: 33505872; PMCID: PMC7833895.
* Seifert J, Vilar E, Stello K, Burke CA, Burt RW, Liska D, Provenzale D, Reiffenberg E, Rossi M, Syngal S, Weiss JM, You YN, Yurgelun MB, Mutch MG. Surveillance and Management of Patients With Lynch Syndrome: An International Consensus Statement From the Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2022 Dec;163(6):1481-1493.e4. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.08.019. Epub 2022 Aug 23. PMID: 36007604.
* Hampel H, Pearlman R, Haraldsdottir S, Cohen S, Seifert J, Goldberg Y, Seidenfeld J, Liska D, Mutch MG, Monahan P, Yurgelun MB, Syngal S, Weiss JM, Burt RW. Genetic Testing for Lynch Syndrome: Current Practices and Challenges. Clin Cancer Res. 2021 Mar 15;27(6):1591-1601. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-20-3770. Epub 2020 Dec 28. PMID: 33371900; PMCID: PMC7961136.
* Palomba G, Palomba E, Falchero L, Ivaldi F, Loffredo C, Bottino C, Balestrazzi A, Gismondi P. Lynch syndrome: from genetics to clinical practice. ESMO Open. 2023 Oct;8(5):101869. doi: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.101869. Epub 2023 Sep 13. PMID: 37717468; PMCID: PMC10547748.
Q.
Is it Just Bloating? Signs of Colon Cancer & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. Bloating alone is common and usually harmless, but if it lasts more than 2 to 3 weeks or comes with blood in the stool, persistent bowel changes, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, it could signal colon cancer and should be checked. Recommended next steps include tracking symptoms, using a reputable symptom checker, contacting a clinician promptly for red flags, and following screening guidance that starts at age 45 or earlier if you are higher risk; go to urgent care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, or signs of blockage. See the complete guidance, risk factors, and what to do in different scenarios below.
References:
* Hosseinpour M, Khazaei Z, Gholami M, Moradi Y, Salimi Y. Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer and Associated Factors: A Systematic Review. Front Oncol. 2022 Jan 28;11:794217. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.794217. PMID: 35149363; PMCID: PMC8835263.
* Vasileiadis I, Zafiriou N, Kalampas A, Koutsikos S, Goulielmos NP, Giannousis I. Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer: A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 22;20(1):162. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010162. PMID: 36585149; PMCID: PMC9818815.
* Sheng J, Zhai Z, Yan B, Deng S, Zhang Y, Yu C. Colorectal Cancer Screening: An Updated Overview. Cancer Res Treat. 2023 Oct 12. doi: 10.4143/crt.2023.708. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37775534.
* Dekker E, Tanis PJ, Vleugels JLA, Kasi PM, Wallace MB. Colorectal cancer. Lancet. 2021 Jul 3;398(10294):91-104. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00075-0. PMID: 34208491.
* Seifert L, Kussin A, von Wyl T, Spalinger M, Reiner CS, Sulz MC, Misselwitz B. Alarming Symptoms for Colorectal Cancer and Referral Pathways: A Systematic Review. Digestion. 2020;101(6):710-721. doi: 10.1159/000508544. Epub 2020 Jul 17. PMID: 32675276.
Q.
Silent Internal Struggle? Why a Colonoscopy is Your Shield + Medical Next Steps
A.
Colonoscopy is your best shield against silent colon cancer, which often causes no symptoms even when you feel fine, because it not only finds early disease but can remove precancerous polyps during the same visit; most people should start at 45, earlier if higher risk. There are several factors to consider that can change your next steps, including symptoms that need prompt care, how stool tests differ and when an abnormal result means colonoscopy, safety and prep, and what happens if something is found; see complete details below.
References:
* Davidson KW, Barry MJ, Mangione CM, et al. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021 May 18;325(19):1965-1977. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.5754. PMID: 34008130.
* Bretthauer M, Grosse A, Haug U, et al. Efficacy of Colonoscopy in Reducing Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Gastroenterology. 2021 Nov;161(5):1699-1719.e16. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.07.034. Epub 2021 Aug 17. PMID: 34418465.
* Rex DK, Kahi CJ. Postpolypectomy Surveillance Recommendations. Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol. 2021 Mar;19(1):16-24. doi: 10.1007/s11938-021-00329-z. PMID: 33763776.
* Shaukat A, Kahi CJ. Current challenges and future directions in colorectal cancer screening. World J Gastroenterol. 2023 Feb 14;29(6):960-975. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i6.960. PMID: 36814917; PMCID: PMC9939525.
* Crosbie AB, Corley DA, Phalen JA, et al. Colorectal Cancer Screening with Fecal Immunochemical Test, Colonoscopy, or Both: A Scoping Review. Ann Intern Med. 2023 Jan;176(1):77-87. doi: 10.7326/M22-1323. Epub 2022 Nov 29. PMID: 36442111.
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Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
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