In the early stages of the disease,rectal cancersymptoms may not be present.
This means they can be sparked by many other conditionsnot just cancer.
It is important to see a healthcare provider if you notice them.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
If it does turn out that you have rectal cancer, an early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.
When diagnosed at anadvanced stage, the prognosis is usually much worse.
Changes in Bowel Habits
A change in bowel habits is a common sign of rectal cancer.
You may havediarrhea,constipation, or an increase or decrease in the frequency of bowel movements.
With rectal cancer, diarrhea is quite common.
The important thing to remember is that a change in bowel habits means a change for you personally.
Everyone has different bowel habits, and what is normal for one person may not be for another.
Your symptoms could be due to something as minor as your diet.
Other conditions may also cause thin stools, such as a large benign polyp or hemorrhoids.
While some sources describethinas “pencil-thin,” there isn’t an accepted definition.
If you notice that your stools are thinner than normal, see your healthcare provider.
This is why it may not be worrisome at first.
With colorectal cancer, the pain can be occasional or constant.
It can be localized or general discomfort.Many times, there will be other symptoms like blood in the stool.
Take note of other symptoms that may also be present, like bloody stools or pain with bowel movements.
Sometimes, there is mucus in the stool as well.
This symptom can also be a warning sign of other serious medical conditions.
To be safe, always report any unusual changes in stool color to your healthcare provider.
Anemia
Microscopic bleeding due to rectal cancer often causes anemia.
Anemia, in turn, can cause fatigue (commonly the first symptom people note) or weakness.
Other symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and an irregular heartbeat.
There are subtle differences, however, in the way these conditions present.
For example, hemorrhoids usually get better with home care, while rectal cancer causes worsening symptoms over time.
Hemorrhoids also come and go and don’t happen alongside other symptoms like fatigue or weight loss.
Similarly, IBS does not cause bleeding, fatigue, or weight loss.
These symptoms can also occur with many other diseases.
Unfortunately, experts cannot pinpoint the reason.
At the same time, the diagnosis of these cancers is often delayed.
Delaying a diagnosis can make it more likely that the disease will have time to become more advanced.
There are many risk factors for colorectal cancer.
A colonoscopy can be done, and a biopsy can be taken during the procedure.
At-home colorectal cancer screening tests are available.
They require you to collect a stool sample and send it to a lab for analysis.
While they can share symptoms, rectal cancer does not necessarily feel like hemorrhoids.
Both can have itching, rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms.
National Cancer Institute.Rectal cancer treatment (PDQ)patient version.
Colon Cancer Coalition.Colon cancer symptoms.
Rodriguez-Bigas M, Lin EH, Crane CH, National Library of Medicine.Colorectal cancer management.
Fazeli MS, Keramati MR.Rectal cancer: A review.Med J Islam Repub Iran.
UptoDate.Patient education: Rectal bleeding (blood in the stool).
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Anemia.
2017;12(4):e0175125.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175125
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Rectal cancer.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.Rectal cancer diagnosis.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening: What are my options?
