Personal stories from real people who survived their disease … And how they did it!

personal stories from people who successfully battled their disease and how they did it

More about Colon / Colorectal

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. Both of these organs are in the lower portion of your digestive system. The rectum is at the end of the colon. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.

Types

While colorectal cancer sounds self-explanatory, there’s actually more than one type. The differences have to do with the types of cells that turn cancerous as well as where they form. The most common type of colorectal cancer starts from adenocarcinomas. According to the ACS, adenocarcinomas make up most colorectal cancer cases. Unless your doctor specifies otherwise, your colorectal cancer is likely this type. Adenocarcinomas form within the cells that make mucus in either the colon or rectum.

Symptoms

Colorectal cancer may not present with any symptoms, especially in the early stages. If you do experience symptoms during the early stages, they may include: constipation, diarrhea, changes in stool color, changes in stool shape, such as narrowed stool, blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, excessive gas, abdominal cramps/pain. Colorectal cancer symptoms are more noticeable in the late stages (stages 3 and 4). In addition to the above symptoms, you might also experience: excessive fatigue, unexplained weakness, unintentional weight loss, changes in your stool that last longer than a month, a feeling that your bowels won’t completely empty or vomiting.