If you're struggling with ongoing digestive issues, it's easy to chalk it up to stress, diet, or a “sensitive stomach.” But in some cases, persistent gastrointestinal symptoms may signal a more serious condition — one that requires expert evaluation.
At the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we specialize in diagnosing and treating colorectal disorders, from inflammatory bowel disease to colon cancer. Knowing the early warning signs can make all the difference. Below, we break down the symptoms you should never ignore, backed by research and clinical evidence.
1. Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits
Sudden or ongoing changes in your bowel movements — such as chronic constipation, diarrhea, or narrow stools — may indicate inflammation, obstruction, or even colorectal cancer.
Evidence: A large population study found that changes in bowel habits, particularly in older adults, were significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk. The predictive value was especially high when symptoms persisted over time (Hamilton et al., 2009).
2. Abdominal Pain or Cramping
Occasional cramps or discomfort can be harmless. But if the pain is frequent, severe, or localized to the lower abdomen, it could be a red flag.
Evidence: Research shows that lower abdominal pain, especially when paired with changes in bowel habits, may signal the presence of colorectal tumors or inflammatory disease (Majumdar et al., 1999).
3. Blood in Stool or Rectal Bleeding
Bright red or dark-colored blood in the stool is never normal. It could stem from hemorrhoids — but also from more serious issues like polyps, ulcers, or cancer.
Evidence: Rectal bleeding is the most consistent and predictive symptom of colorectal cancer in both older and younger patients, making it one of the most important signs to evaluate quickly (Adelstein et al., 2018) (Rasmussen et al., 2019).
4. Unexplained Weight Loss or Fatigue
If you’re losing weight without trying or feel unusually tired despite adequate rest, it could be a sign your body is fighting a serious underlying illness.
Evidence: Weight loss and fatigue were frequently reported among colorectal cancer patients and are particularly concerning when they appear alongside other GI symptoms (Skalitzky et al., 2023).
5. Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Emptying
If it constantly feels like your bowels aren’t fully emptying after a trip to the bathroom, don’t ignore it — this could be due to a blockage or growth in the lower colon.
Evidence: In younger adults, a persistent sensation of incomplete evacuation was commonly reported and often linked to tumors or advanced colorectal conditions (Skalitzky et al., 2023).
Why Early Detection Matters
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., but also one of the most preventable and treatable — especially when caught early. Colonoscopies, stool tests, and imaging can detect problems before symptoms escalate or cancer spreads.
Get Expert Care at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay
At Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, personalized treatment, and compassionate care for every patient. Whether you're dealing with hemorrhoids, Crohn's disease, rectal bleeding, or just want to stay proactive with routine screening, we’re here for you.
Our specialties include:
Colonoscopies and colorectal cancer screening
Treatment for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBS
Surgical and non-surgical management of rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, and tumors
Robotic and minimally invasive colorectal procedures
Your digestive health is too important to ignore. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms above, don’t wait — schedule a consultation with the trusted team at Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay today.
Works Cited
Adelstein, B., Macaskill, P., Katelaris, P., & Irwig, L. (2018). Bowel symptoms in relation to colorectal cancer. Link
Hamilton, W., Lancashire, R., Sharp, D., Peters, T., Cheng, K., & Marshall, T. (2009). The risk of colorectal cancer with symptoms at different ages and between the sexes: a case-control study. BMC Medicine, 7(17). https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-7-17. Link
Majumdar, S. R., Fletcher, R. H., & Evans, A. T. (1999). How does colorectal cancer present? Symptoms, duration, and clues to location. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 94(11), 3039–3045. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1572-0241.1999.01454.x. Link
Rasmussen, S., Haastrup, P., Balasubramaniam, K., Elnegaard, S., Christensen, R., Storsveen, M. M., Søndergaard, J., & Jarbøl, D. (2019). Predictive values of colorectal cancer alarm symptoms in the general population: A nationwide cohort study. British Journal of Cancer, 120(6), 595–600. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-019-0385-x. Link
Skalitzky, M. K., Zhou, P. P., Goffredo, P., Guyton, K., Sherman, S., Gribovskaja-Rupp, I., Hassan, I., Kapadia, M. R., & Hrabe, J. (2023). Characteristics and symptomatology of colorectal cancer in the young. Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2023.01.018. Link