Your Personalized Screening Recommendation
You have symptoms that need a second look.
You have one or more symptoms of colorectal cancer to discuss with your health care provider, doctor, or gastroenterologist. Tell them about your symptoms, including the blood in or on your stool, immediately. You may need a colonoscopy now.
Have questions or want to talk to someone?
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance offers free support, guidance, and encouragement. Connect with our certified patient and family support navigators at (877) 422-2030.
Need help finding an appointment?
The Alliance has partnered with Zocdoc to help you find a specialist. Visit them in their offices, or video chat with them from home. Find an appointment below.
How to tell a doctor about symptoms
Dr. Cedrek McFadden, a colorectal surgeon, provides tips to help you get the most out of your doctor's appointment.
More Information
About Colonoscopies
A colonoscopy is the standard screening method for people at higher risk and can be used for average-risk individuals, too. It is a routine and safe procedure. A doctor uses a thin tube with a camera to see inside your colon and rectum while you’re in a sleep-like state. If found, polyps — abnormal tissue growths that may become cancer — can be removed during a colonoscopy, preventing cancer.
A colonoscopy procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on whether the doctor needs to remove polyps or take biopsies. However, patients and caregivers should plan to spend up to three hours total at the hospital or endoscopy center to account for the time needed for preparation and recovery from anesthesia.
About Common Symptoms
The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom, and that’s why routine screening is critical. If symptoms are present, they may include:
- Blood in or on stool
- Persistent unusual bowel movements like constipation or diarrhea
- Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away
- Losing weight for no reason
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, or CRC, refers to colon cancer and rectal cancer. One in 24 people will get colorectal cancer in their lifetime, but most people have the power to prevent it!
Resources for You
Colonoscopy prep guide: If you need a colonoscopy, use this sheet to prepare.
Healthy living: While screening is the most important step to prevent CRC, it’s not the only one.
Symptoms: The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom, but when present, symptoms may include these.
Facts About Colorectal Cancer
- 1 in 24 will be diagnosed in their lifetime
- More than 1 in 10 are diagnosed under the age of 50
- Screening is the No. 1 way to prevent CRC or detect it early
- CRC caught early has a 91% survival rate