Knowing the risk factors for colorectal cancer and what symptoms to watch out for can go a long way to making sure serious conditions are caught early. But some of the symptoms of colorectal cancer can seem mild and unimportant. If you have any concerns about some symptoms you're experiencing, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Screening and early testing are vital to treating this cancer successfully. A simple test for blood in the stool is often used to screen for colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is commonly used to investigate further if results warrant.
If results of testing confirm colorectal cancer, it's important for your doctor to determine the stage of the cancer. Staging the cancer means finding out how far the cancer has spread, and this will determine the type of treatment that will be most effective for you.
Cancer can be scary. Coping with cancer can be difficult at times and you may feel overwhelmed. Learn as much as you can about your condition and be prepared to ask your doctor all your questions. Writing them down will help. Know who is on your health care team and what their role is. You will have to all work together on your journey back to health.