Know the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
3/16/2026
Colorectal cancer – newly determined to be the leading cause of cancer deaths for Americans under age 50 – doesn’t always cause symptoms. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the American Cancer Society and other major health organizations, recommends screening colonoscopies for adults age 45 and older.
However, sometimes people developing colorectal cancer do experience warning signs, and acting on them has saved many lives.
“The best treatment is prevention,” said Shane Svoboda, M.D., a colorectal and general surgeon with Northwest Colorectal Surgery at la Cholla. “The second-best treatment is paying attention to your digestive system – and seeing your primary care physician if something doesn’t feel right.”
Some symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don't go away.
- A change in bowel habits, especially a narrowing of your stool.
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement) or rectal bleeding.
- Unusual fatigue (this can result from blood loss through the rectum).
- Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way.
- Sudden loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss.
- Unexplained nausea or vomiting.
“If you experience these symptoms for longer than a week or two, it’s important to see a physician,” says Dr. Svoboda. “He or she can determine what’s wrong and how to move forward with testing and treatment. In younger people, colon cancer can often be more aggressive, but their survival rates tend to have better outcomes. I encourage people in their 40s to be proactive about screenings, as well as routine digestive care.”
For more information about digestive and gastroenterological care at Northwest Healthcare, visit www.healthiertucson.com/digestive-health. Learn more about our providers at Northwest Primary & Specialty Care, visit https://www.nwalliedphysicians.com/gastro.
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