
Your doctor may also want you to get more tests such as: During this test, the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel for any abnormal areas. You may also have aĭigital rectal exam (DRE). As part of a physical exam, your doctor will carefully feel your abdomen for masses or enlarged organs, and also examine the rest of your body. But, depending on your symptoms, your doctor might want you to schedule an in-person visit so you can be examined. You might be able to have a virtual visit to talk with your doctor about symptoms or risk factors that might be worrying you. It's important to know your family history. You will also be asked if you’re having any symptoms and, if so, when they started and how long you’ve had them. Your doctor will ask about your medical history to learn about possible risk factors, including check for symptoms and. If you have symptoms that might be caused by colorectal cancer or if a screening test shows something not normal, your doctor will want to do more testing to find the cause. Screening can even prevent some colorectal cancers by finding and removing pre-cancerous growths called polyps. Colorectal cancer that’s found early through screening, before you have symptoms, might be easier to treat. That’s why it’s best to be tested for colorectal cancer before ever having any symptoms.

Often colorectal cancer doesn’t cause symptoms until it has grown or spread.

What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer?Ĭolorectal cancer might not cause symptoms right away.
