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What warning signs should I watch for with my colon or rectum?
Your care team can tell you what signs to watch for in your colon or rectum. Colon and rectal cancer often causes no symptoms at first.
Your care team can tell you what signs to watch for in your colon or rectum, since this depends on your own health. Cancer in the colon or rectum often causes no symptoms, especially in its early stages. Polyps, which are small growths in the colon, usually have no symptoms either.
Because problems can hide without symptoms, doctors use screening tests to look for them early. One common test, called a colonoscopy, uses a thin, flexible scope with a camera. This scope lets the doctor see problems such as polyps and cancer inside the colon and rectum. These scope tests are also used to screen for polyps and cancer, finding a problem before symptoms appear, when it may be easier to treat.
Most polyps are not dangerous, but some can turn into cancer or already be cancer. Because of this, doctors remove polyps found during the test and have them checked to be safe.
Your care team can tell you what signs to watch for in your own case. They can also tell you when to call them and how often you need screening tests.
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
More about Colorectal cancer
- Do I need colorectal cancer screening, and what does it involve?
- What does colorectal cancer staging mean, and why does it matter?
- What should I expect during a colonoscopy?
- What tests can diagnose colorectal cancer?
- What's the difference between a stool test and a colonoscopy for screening?
- How often do I need colorectal cancer screening?