Medical Experts Warn: 'Embarrassing' Symptoms May Indicate Colorectal Cancer

WHO:

HuffPost - Dr. Jason B. Carter, urologist and medical adviser with Aeroflow Urology, board-certified by the American Board of Urology.

HuffPost - Dr. Ketan Thanki, board-certified colorectal surgeon at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Medical Center, California.

HuffPost - Dr. Nikiya Asamoah, gastroenterologist and inflammatory bowel disease specialist in Washington, D.C.

WHAT:

HuffPost - Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

HuffPost - Colorectal cancer rates in young people have nearly doubled since 1995.

HuffPost - Bowel incontinence, also known as fecal incontinence, can occur with colorectal cancer, particularly with rectal cancers.

HuffPost - Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, and persistent fatigue.

HuffPost - The American Cancer Society identifies preventable lifestyle habits that may increase colorectal cancer risk, including alcohol and tobacco use.

WHERE:

HuffPost - MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Medical Center, California.

WHEN:

HuffPost - Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended to start at age 45.

WHY:

HuffPost - Many signs of colorectal cancer, such as constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue, are easily dismissed.

HuffPost - Bowel leakage can indicate more advanced cancer due to obstruction from a large cancerous lesion.

HOW:

HuffPost - Prevention strategies for colorectal cancer include learning family history, getting regular screenings, and paying attention to symptoms.

HuffPost - Treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer typically involves surgery, while advanced cases may require chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or targeted immunotherapies.

(UPDATED July 18, 2026 22:13 UTC)

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, with rates in young people nearly doubling since 1995. Symptoms can include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and persistent fatigue, making it crucial to pay attention to these signs, especially since screening is recommended to start at age 45. Prevention strategies involve understanding family history and getting regular screenings, while treatment for early-stage cases usually requires surgery, and advanced cases may need chemotherapy or radiation therapy.