What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal polyps, which are growths that can turn into colon cancer, and colon cancer itself can come without symptoms. If a person does have symptoms, they can include:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in bowel movements
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- The sensation that bowel movements aren’t complete
- Persistent stomachache, stomach pain, or cramps
- Weight loss without any explanation
Any or all of these symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor. These symptoms are the same for all racial and ethnic groups. Because CRC symptoms aren’t always obvious, this makes screening all the more important.
Where colon cancer spreads
Once cancerous cells break off from a tumor, what areas of the body does it spread to first?
What can Black patients do to lower their risk of getting colorectal cancer?
There are a number of solutions patients can pursue themselves.
Learn about CRC online
The untimely death of Oscar-nominated actor Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at age 43 significantly boosted awareness of the disease, particularly for Black Americans. A study from the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business found there was an increase in internet searches about colon cancer in the months after Mr. Boseman’s August 2020 passing, particularly in areas where many Black Americans live. The study authors emphasized the importance of public health leaders discussing Mr. Mr. Boseman’s diagnosis with their Black patient population, so they will not only be inspired by his brave battle against the disease but will be proactive about getting tested for colon cancer themselves.
Reading about Mr. Boseman’s journey is an important start to patient education. It’s also key to learn about the disease itself, plus how colon cancer screening works specifically. Then, writing down questions to bring to the doctor before screening is an excellent way to feel empowered, and to understand what specific test results will mean.
Be proactive
Find out about family history.
“It’s challenging to determine the best age for screening if the patient doesn’t know their family history,” said Dr. Annunziata. Asking older members of the family whether CRC has affected previous generations is a helpful step.
If there is a strong family history, a patient will likely need earlier screening.
“[Doctors] should explain the benefits of colon cancer screening with colonoscopy starting at age 45 in the general population or earlier if the person has a family history of colon cancer,” Dr. Annunziata said. If a patient’s doctor doesn’t offer this information upfront, it’s definitely the right move to ask for the testing directly.
If a Black patient gets diagnosed with CRC, they should educate themselves about critical follow-up care after a diagnosis. Doctors should also be more proactive about enrolling patients in key clinical trials. According to additional data from the American Cancer Society, only 7% of patients enrolled in the FDA’s clinical cancer drug trials are Black. Doctors should also be more proactive about enrolling patients in these and other key clinical trials; it’s completely appropriate for a patient to search out trials on their own and bring them to their doctor’s attention too.
And attending all appointments and completing chemo or radiation treatment is vital.
“For patients undergoing treatment, physicians can ensure that the patients understand the importance of receiving the full recommended course of treatment and receive the support to tolerate the anticipated side effects,” Dr. Annunziata said.