Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the western world. According to the American cancer society, around 6, 55,000 deaths all over the world are encountered due to colorectal cancer. It is the second leading cause of deaths due to cancers. About 41,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year in United States. Colorectal cancer is mainly found in the colon, rectum or appendix.

Colon, the large intestine is the lowermost part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The end part of the colon is known as rectum. There are two types of colorectal tumors- benign tumor or polyps and malignant tumor or cancer. If benign polyps are not treated properly, they gradually take the form of malignant tumor (cancer). Polyps mainly show no symptoms but malignant tumor shows some symptoms. Combination of colon and rectal cancer is known as colorectal cancer. It can spread to other organs of the body such as lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bladder, kidneys, brain and bones too. The growth of the cells which are infected by the tumor becomes disturbed and uncontrollable; they divide and multiply in an abnormal manner. Males are more prone to colorectal cancer than females. The major cause of colorectal cancer is the adoption of western diets.

Colorectal cancer symptoms vary greatly according to the size, location and rate of growth of the tumor. The most common colorectal cancer symptoms ever noticed is the change in bowel habits. Constant diarrhea or constipation may be seen. Colorectal cancer symptoms are not very clear until the tumor grows to a large size. Potential colorectal cancer symptoms include weakness, vomiting, fatigue, fever and breathlessness.

Tumor at the end of the rectum makes it difficult for the stool to get by, thereby leading to constipation. A change in the color or nature of stools can also be noticed. Bleeding along with the stools can be serious problem. Discomfort in the stomach can be examined due to the presence of colorectal tumor such as feeling of fullness every time, bloating or cramps. Loss of appetite can be felt which results in unwanted weight loss.

Weight loss with no specific reason can give rise to other severe problems like anemia. A constant feeling that your bowel doesn.t empty completely can be felt. Other common colorectal symptoms are sickness, jaundice, night sweats, chills, nausea and dizziness. Due to frequent bleeding with stools it results in lack of iron, element that supplies oxygen to the cells. Deficiency of oxygen in the body causes weakness and feeling of tiredness. Consult a doctor as soon as you notice any of the above mentioned colorectal cancer symptoms.