Many people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no symptoms, and people with polyps rarely have symptoms. In fact, 75 percent of people diagnosed have no known risk factors. Regular screening should start at age 50 or sooner if there is a family history of the disease or if you have other intestinal issues. 

If you wait to get tested after symptoms develop you might miss the chance to prevent the disease or to find it before it grows and spreads. When detected early, the chance of colon cancer survival is 90%.

With that being said, there are a number of warning signs including: change in bowel movements, discomfort in or urge to move your bowels when there is no need, weight loss without dieting, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, constant fatigue, as well as frequent gas pain.

What are the warning signs of colorectal cancer?

• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
• Persistent stomach pain, aches, cramps, or bloating that won’t seem go away.
• Losing weight and you don’t know why.
• Extreme fatigue

The best way to detect colorectal cancer in its early stages (before you notice it), is with a colonoscopy, and never, ever assume that the symptoms above couldn’t be cancer.

There is no good excuse.