7 Early Signs of Rectal Cancer
First, a quick disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, but I am a professional human who knows firsthand that your body usually whispers before it starts screaming. And sometimes, those whispers are super easy to ignore—especially if, like me, you're busy convincing yourself everything's fine because who has time for another crisis, right? (Spoiler alert: You should make the time.)
So let's talk about your colon/rectum, which, honestly, isn't something I thought I'd ever discuss publicly, but life has a funny way of forcing intimacy. Rectal cancer is sneaky. It starts with these gentle nudges, signs that are easy to write off as stress, bad sushi, or just the glamorous life of adulthood. But catching it early—like catching your kid before they scribble permanent marker on the wall—makes all the difference.
Here are seven early signs of rectal/colom cancer you should never ignore:
1. Changes in Bowel Habits
Listen, we all have weird poop days, but when things shift consistently—like suddenly you're sprinting to the bathroom multiple times a day or in the middle of the night—it’s a red flag, not just "one of those days."
2. Persistent Diarrhea
When your bowel movements start resembling your emotional state (chaotic, watery, and unsettlingly frequent), it's worth checking out. Trust me, your gut knows things.
3. A Feeling Your Bowel Doesn’t Empty Completely
This is that maddening sensation like finishing a task at work but never quite crossing it off your list—except, you know, way worse. Your body is signaling something important.
4. Rectal Bleeding
Bleeding from anywhere unexpected is alarming. If it happens alongside your period, it might be easy to dismiss, but remember, blood from your rectum isn't normal, no matter what creative rationalizations you concoct at 3 a.m.
5. Cramping, Bloating, or Persistent Abdominal Pain
We all get bloated occasionally (hello, pizza night!), but consistent pain or discomfort—especially focused on one side—is your body's subtle way of saying, "Hey, maybe get me looked at?"
6. Fatigue or Weakness
This isn't your average "I stayed up too late binge-watching Netflix" tiredness. It's the kind of exhaustion that makes everything feel hard—like walking through mud while wearing weighted boots. If you're suddenly struggling with activities you used to love, it's a sign worth noting.
7. Unexplained Changes in Health Despite "Normal" Tests
You've been poked, prodded, scanned, and imaged, yet doctors say everything's fine? Your gut is literally screaming, "Nope! Something's still off!" Listen to that voice, demand further testing (like a colonoscopy), and don't take no for an answer.
If you're nodding your head to any of these symptoms, consider this your official permission slip to advocate fiercely for yourself. Book the colonoscopy. Yes, it's inconvenient and awkward, but cancer is worse. Much worse.
Your colon/rectum deserves your attention. Don't wait until your body screams—pay attention to those whispers. You're worth the inconvenience.
A blog post by Rachel Smak on grief, loss, and lessons from stage 3C rectal cancer
