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Colorectal Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Could you, or someone you care for, have colorectal cancer? In this section you will find answers to the following questions:

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer symptoms sometimes occur late, when the disease is already far along. Even if you don’t experience colorectal cancer symptoms, you should still undergo regular screening, especially as early detection improves the chances of survival.

If you do experience any of the following symptoms, be sure to talk to a doctor. And remember — having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have colon or rectal cancer.

  • Bleeding from the rectum or having blood in the stool.
  • A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, that lasts for more than a few days.
  • Feeling like you have to have a bowel movement even after you’ve already had one.
  • Cramping or persistent (gnawing) stomach pain.
  • Weakness and fatigue.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

How do I get tested for colorectal cancer?

You should undergo polyp and colorectal cancer screening as often as your doctor suggests. But in general, men and women at normal risk of colorectal cancer should do the following, starting at age 50:

  • Every year get a test called a fecal occult blood test, in which a stool sample is examined for blood (all positive tests should be followed by a colonoscopy).
  • Every 5 years get a test called a flexible sigmoidoscopy in which a lighted tube is placed in the rectum so the doctor can look inside (all positive tests should be followed by a colonoscopy).
  • Every 10 years get a colonoscopy, in which a longer, flexible tube is placed through the rectum into the colon so the doctor can see the entire colon (much more than what can be seen with a sigmoidoscopy).
  • If your doctor determines you are at moderate or high risk of colorectal cancer, you may be advised to get tested more often.

Learn more about colorectal cancer diagnosis and staging.

Important Safety Information

Anaphylactic-like reactions to ELOXATIN have been reported and may occur within minutes of ELOXATIN administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines have been employed to alleviate symptoms.

  • Do not take ELOXATIN if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ELOXATIN or other medicines that contain platinum. Tell your doctor right away if you feel like your throat is closing up, have shortness of breath, a flushed face, a rash, itching/hives, swelling of lips or tongue, sudden cough, dizziness, sweating or chest pain.
  • ELOXATIN can cause nerve problems. Tell your doctor right away if you become sensitive to cold temperatures and cold objects; have trouble breathing, swallowing or saying words; experience jaw tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, or chest pressure; pain; tingling or burning in your hands, feet or around your mouth or throat.
  • Tell your doctor if you develop a dry cough or have trouble breathing; these may be signs of serious lung disease.
  • ELOXATIN can cause liver problems (hepatotoxicity); your doctor will do blood tests to watch for this.
  • Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive ELOXATIN. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while receiving ELOXATIN.
  • ELOXATIN can cause a decrease in white blood cells, which can lead to infections. Tell your doctor right away if develop any of the following signs of infection: fever, chills, or shivering; cough that brings up mucus, burning or pain on urination, pain on swallowing; sore throat; or redness or swelling at injection site.
  • Other common side effects of ELOXATIN include a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness.
  • Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of ELOXATIN. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

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