Doctor Warns of Six Hidden Colorectal Cancer Signs
Dr. Jed Bunsukwongviroj of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital warns that colorectal cancer often lacks obvious bowel symptoms and lists six subtle warning signs: unexplained fatigue and dizziness, iron-deficiency anemia of unknown cause, unintentional weight loss, persistent abdominal pain mistaken for gastritis, early satiety with bloating, and positive occult blood tests despite normal-looking stools. He urges the public not to rely solely on regular bowel habits as reassurance and to seek medical evaluation when these signs appear.
Dr. Jed Bunsukwongviroj, Deputy Director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, posted on his 'Mor Jed' Facebook page that colorectal cancer does not only present as abnormal bowel movements. He stresses that many people mistakenly believe daily, regular bowel movements without visible blood mean a healthy colon. In reality, colorectal cancer may not begin with constipation, diarrhea, or bloody stools. Some patients first experience easy fatigue, dizziness, anemia discovered on blood tests, or unintentional weight loss. Importantly, early-stage colorectal cancer can be completely asymptomatic.
Dr. Jed outlines six overlooked signs: 1. Easy fatigue and dizziness without heavy exertion — climbing a few stairs now causes breathlessness, palpitations, or lightheadedness. Tumors in certain locations may cause slow, chronic blood loss too slight to see in stool, eventually leading to anemia. 2. Anemia of unknown origin — routine checkups reveal low hemoglobin and iron deficiency without obvious bleeding. The colon may be losing blood invisibly, especially in men and postmenopausal women; unexplained iron-deficiency anemia warrants investigation of the gastrointestinal tract. 3. Unintentional weight loss — weight drops several kilograms without dieting, exercise, or intermittent fasting; clothes become loose, sometimes accompanied by appetite loss. Persistent unexplained weight loss, especially with other symptoms, should not be dismissed as a positive change. 4. Recurrent abdominal pain or bloating attributed to gastritis — pain comes and goes, temporarily relieved by antacids but returns. Colon abnormalities, including tumors, can cause similar discomfort. The key is persistent, worsening, or changing pain, particularly with weight loss or anemia. 5. Early satiety, nausea, and severe bloating — feeling unusually full after small meals. A tumor narrowing the bowel lumen can cause distension, pain, or nausea. If complete obstruction occurs — severe pain, marked bloating, vomiting, and failure to pass stool or gas — emergency care is needed; self-medicating with laxatives is dangerous. 6. Normal daily bowel movements but positive occult blood test — some people have regular morning stools that look normal, yet a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) detects hidden blood. This finding should prompt further evaluation.
