Losing weight without intentionally changing your diet or exercise routine can have many possible causes.
However, unexplained weight loss combined with digestive symptoms should not be ignored.
A healthcare professional can determine whether the weight loss is related to a digestive disorder, another medical condition, or something requiring further investigation.
6. Unusual Fatigue or Weakness
Persistent tiredness can have countless causes, including poor sleep, stress, nutritional deficiencies, infections, and other medical conditions.
Colorectal cancers can sometimes cause bleeding that isn’t visible in the stool. Over time, this can contribute to anemia, which may cause fatigue or weakness.
That’s why unexplained, persistent fatigue—especially when accompanied by other symptoms—deserves attention.
7. Changes in the Appearance of Your Stool
Changes in stool appearance can happen for many harmless reasons, including diet.
However, persistent changes such as unusually narrow stools or significant changes in stool color should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if they occur alongside other symptoms.
The Important Thing Many People Don’t Realize
Colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages.
Someone can feel completely healthy and still have precancerous polyps or early colorectal cancer.
That’s why screening is so important.
Screening can sometimes detect abnormal growths before they become cancerous, and detecting colorectal cancer earlier can make treatment more effective.
Who Should Consider Screening?
Screening recommendations depend on your age, personal health history, family history, and other risk factors.
For people at average risk, the American Cancer Society currently recommends beginning regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
People with a close family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain inherited genetic conditions may need to begin screening earlier or be screened more frequently.
What Tests Are Used?
There isn’t just one way to screen for colorectal cancer.
Depending on your situation, screening may involve:
- Stool-based tests
- Colonoscopy
- Other visual examinations of the colon
- Certain newer screening tests
A colonoscopy has an important advantage: doctors can identify and remove certain precancerous polyps during the procedure.
Don’t Let Fear Stop You From Getting Checked
Seeing a little blood or experiencing constipation does not automatically mean you have cancer.
The goal isn’t to scare yourself.
The goal is to recognize persistent or unusual changes and find out what’s actually causing them.
If you experience persistent rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain, significant changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weakness, make an appointment with a healthcare professional.
And if you are at the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening, don’t wait until you develop symptoms.
Your body doesn’t always give you a dramatic warning.
Sometimes the most important sign is simply a change that doesn’t go away.
Pay attention. Get checked. And remember that early detection can make a major difference.
