Psychology Today Here to Help
Search:

Colorectal Cancer Health Center

Cancer Risk Health Check
Assess yourself.
Slideshow
Look inside colorectal cancer.
Anatomy 101
See what your colon looks like.

Colorectal Cancer Overview Slideshow

Colon cancer and cancer of the rectum usually begin as a small polyp. While most colon polyps are benign, some do become cancerous. Colon cancer symptoms may include a change in bowel habits or bleeding, but usually colon cancer strikes without symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get a colon cancer screening test, such as a colonoscopy. If the cancer is found early, the doctor can use surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy for effective treatment.

Select a Chapter

Latest Headlines
Foods Interfere With Colon Cancer Drugs
A drug combination that's been found to pack a powerful punch against the risk of colon cancer may only work in people who go light on certain foods, including red meat, corn, and orange juice, a new study suggests.

Community & Resources

Understanding Colorectal Cancer - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

In its early stage, colorectal cancer usually produces no symptoms. The most likely warning signs include:

  • Changes in bowel movements, including persistent constipation or diarrhea, a feeling of not being able to empty the bowel completely, an urgency to move the bowels, rectal cramping, or rectal bleeding
  • Dark patches of blood in or on stool; or long, thin, "pencil stools"
  • Abdominal discomfort or bloating
  • Unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite and/or weight loss
  • Pelvic pain, which occurs at later stages of the disease
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Options after Chemo   Options after Chemo

options_after_chemo.jpg

Nancy Kemeny, MD, talks about potential options to treat colon cancer if chemotherapy fails.

Watch Video: Options after Chemo (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Small Intestine Scope   Small Intestine Scope

Show or hide information about video: The Side Effects of Chemotherapy   The Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Show or hide information about video: Alternative Therapies   Alternative Therapies

Show or hide information about video: Cancer and Exercise   Cancer and Exercise