Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Regular screening is important because colorectal cancer doesn't always cause symptoms, especially in the early stages. A person could have colorectal cancer and not know it.

Sometimes colorectal cancer can cause symptoms, including in individuals who are younger than age 45. The symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:

  • Blood in or on your stool (bowel movements)
  • Aches, pains, or cramps in your stomach that do not go away
  • Change in bowel movement habits, either constipation or diarrhea
  • Losing weight and you don't know why

If you have any of these symptoms, regardless of your age, you should talk to your health care provider as soon as possible. These symptoms may be caused by something else, but the only way to know for sure is to see your health care provider.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Different cancers have different risk factors. Some factors that may increase a person's risk for colorectal cancer are:

  • Getting older. About 9 out of 10 colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed at age 50 and older.
  • Having a close family member (parent, sibling, child) who has had colorectal cancer.
  • Having an inherited disease such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (Lynch Syndrome).
  • Having already had colorectal cancer, or having intestinal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Having overweight or obesity.
  • Type 2 diabetes.
  • Not getting enough exercise.
  • Eating too much red and processed meats (e.g., bacon, sausage, luncheon meat, hot dogs) and not enough vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
  • Drinking alcohol.
  • Smoking and using tobacco products.

Preventing Colorectal Cancer

The most important action you can take to prevent colorectal cancer is to have regular screenings. Regular screenings can find growths, called polyps, that can become cancer if they are not removed. Regular screenings increase the chance of stopping colorectal cancer before it starts or finding it early when treatment may be easier and more effective.

If you are age 45 or older, you should get screened for colorectal cancer. Adults younger than age 45 should talk to their health care provider about their risk for colorectal cancer and when to start screening. You should also know the symptoms of colorectal cancer and talk to your health care provider if you experience any of them.

If you don't have health insurance and need colorectal cancer screening, call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or visit the Cancer Services Program website.

Lowering Risk for Colorectal Cancer

  • Be aware of your family history and discuss any concerns with your health care provider. You may need to start screening for colorectal cancer at a younger age.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Choose a diet with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and less red and processed meats (e.g., bacon, sausage, luncheon meat, hot dogs). These actions may reduce the risk of developing other diseases as well.
  • Do not smoke. If you currently smoke, quit. Avoid exposure to second hand smoke. For more information on quitting smoking, visit the NYS Quitline at www.nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NY-QUITS.
  • Drink less alcohol or choose not to drink.
  • Talk with your health care provider about recommended screenings for other types of cancer.