Early Symptoms and Signs of Rectal Cancer

Early symptoms and warning signs of rectal cancer include the following: 1. Blood in the stool: One of the common early symptoms of rectal cancer is the presence of blood during bowel movements, which may appear dark red or bright red. The blood may be mixed with the stool or appear separately. 2. Mucus in the stool: The appearance of mucus mixed with the stool, especially when accompanied by abdominal pain or constipation, may be an early sign of rectal cancer. 3. Changes in bowel habits: Increased or decreased frequency of bowel movements, accompanied by abdominal discomfort or pain. Symptoms of constipation or diarrhea that recur repeatedly and unexplained weight loss may also be warning signs. 4. Difficulty passing stool or a feeling of incomplete evacuation: As cancer invades the rectum, it may cause difficulty in passing stool and a sensation that the bowels have not been completely emptied after defecation. The early symptoms of rectal cancer may not be obvious. Therefore, if any of the above symptoms occur, prompt medical attention and relevant examinations are necessary for early detection and treatment. Regular physical exams are crucial for the prevention and early detection of rectal cancer.