When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor if you have any symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as:

• A change in bowel habits.
• Bleeding from your rectum, including bright red or dark blood in your stools or stools that look black.
• Constant or frequent diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.
• Stools that are narrow (may be as narrow as a pencil).
• Abdominal (belly) pain or problems with gas or bloating.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Constant tiredness (fatigue).

Because colorectal cancer often does not cause any symptoms, talk with your doctor about screening tests. Screening helps doctors find a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear. Some screening tests for colorectal cancer can find and remove small precancerous growths in the colon and rectum called adenomatous polyps. If these are found and removed early, they cannot turn into cancer.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting refers to a period of time in which your doctor is checking you regularly but not treating you. It is also called observation or surveillance. Watchful waiting is not a reasonable option when you have symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Who to see

Health professionals who can evaluate your symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• Family medicine doctors.
• General practitioners.
• Gastroenterologists.
• General surgeons.
• Internists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.

If your doctor thinks you may have colorectal cancer, he or she may advise you to see a general surgeon or a colon and rectal surgeon. Colorectal cancer is treated by surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.