Do NOT wait for symptoms to be tested. Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer do not always have symptoms, which is why getting screened regularly is so important.
If you have symptoms, they may include:
- Stomach pains or cramps that will not go away
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
- Losing weight without knowing why
Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, which may be caused by something other than cancer. The Centers for Disease Control have developed a Questions to Ask Your Doctor, to print and review at your appointment.
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that men and women ages 50-75 be screened using a high sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. For more information, visit the Screening & Education page.
For detailed information on colon cancer, please check out the American Cancer Society’s Colon Cancer book.
