Gastrointestinal Cancer

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Cancer of the colon or rectum is a form of cancer that develops in the tissues of the large intestine. It is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. Abnormal genes have been detected in patients who have some forms of colon and rectal cancer. Tests are being developed to determine who carries these genes long before cancer appears. Patients who are at a high risk of developing cancer may undergo regular screening tests to monitor their health.

Common signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Blood, either bright red or very dark in the stool
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• General abdominal discomfort such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps
• Weight loss with no known reason
• Constant tiredness

Last reviewed in April 2002 by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.