{"id":763,"date":"2022-07-12T18:14:17","date_gmt":"2022-07-12T18:14:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.staging.not4prod.com\/?p=763"},"modified":"2026-04-06T19:44:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T19:44:38","slug":"signs-and-symptoms-of-colorectal-cancer-what-to-look-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/signs-and-symptoms-of-colorectal-cancer-what-to-look-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer: What to Look For"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is Colorectal Cancer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Colorectal cancer<\/a> (CRC) is a malignant growth of the lower intestine \u2013 this is the organ responsible for the removal of water and the formation of solid stool from food waste. The colon is approximately 90 cm. (3 ft.) long and ends at the rectum and anus. In cancer of the colon, cells from the inner lining divide in a rapid and uncontrolled fashion, resulting in a growth that invades local tissues and may spread to other parts of the body. Most cases of CRC develop from pre-existing polyps, which are collections of cells limited to the lining of the bowel, often assuming the shape of a mushroom suspended from the wall. As many as 30% of people have polyps, but fortunately, only a small number of these evolve into cancer. The evolution of cancer, including the formation of polyps and the transition to cancer, is a process that can take several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to note that polyps and early-stage cancer do not cause symptoms. During this pre-symptomatic period, these early cancers and precancerous growths can be identified and removed, resulting in the prevention and\/or cure of colon cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risk Factors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A risk factor is defined as something that increases your risk of develop colorectal cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society<\/a> says most cancers results from many risk factors, but some colorectal cancers also develop in people who don\u2019t have any. CRC risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a lack of physical inactivity, a personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer and being overweight, among others[1]<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Age is an important risk factor for CRC, with 99% of cases occurring in people aged more than 40 and 85% in those aged more than 60.[2]<\/sup><\/a>The incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults has risen over recent years, but it is still an uncommon disease in young people. Medical experts have not discovered a cause for this increase as of now[3]<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ethnicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Race and ethnic background can increase your risk for CRC. African Americans and Jewish people of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) statistically have the highest incidence of colon cancer. Those with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry tend to have a mutation in the APC gene that increases the risk of colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family History<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The strongest known risk factor for CRC is a family history of the disease. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with CRC have two to four times the risk of someone without this family history[4]<\/sup><\/a>.  Some inherited diseases also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. One of the most common is called the Lynch syndrome.[5]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol Consumption<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consuming approximately 45 grams of alcohol per day may increase the chances of developing colorectal cancer by 1.5 times versus a non-drinker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obesity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Those who are obese, or overweight are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who are not. A high body mass index increases the risk for both men and women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sex<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CRC is the most diagnosed cancer among men and the leading cause of cancer death in men younger than age 50 (Siegel et. al, 2020). In women, it ranks fourth (after breast, thyroid, and melanoma) and second (following breast) in terms of incidence and mortality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cigarette Smoking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cigarette smoking is linked to an increased risk of CRC and death from colorectal cancer. Smoking tobacco is linked to an increased risk of forming colorectal adenomas, and even when removed, smokers are at an increased risk for adenomas to return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more risk factors visit <\/strong>the Canadian Cancer Society.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CRC may not present\u00a0symptoms\u00a0<\/a>immediately as the cancer is very small. Symptoms often appear once a tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs, and many of the CRC symptoms can also be caused by other issues such as\u00a0hemorrhoids<\/a>,\u00a0irritable bowel syndrome,<\/a> or\u00a0inflammatory bowel disease.<\/a>[6]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0Symptoms of CRC include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n