Colorectal health: Experts highlight key warning signs

Medical experts are highlighting critical warning signs for colorectal issues, noting that early-stage symptoms can be difficult to detect because they often mimic less serious conditions.

Dr. Ketan Thanki, a colorectal surgeon at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, emphasizes that unexplained weight loss—weight lost without intentional changes to diet or exercise—is a significant symptom that warrants medical evaluation. He notes that cancer often hijacks the body's natural pathways, making it difficult for the organism to recognize the abnormality.

Regarding colon polyps, Dr. Fola May of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA explains that while not all polyps are cancerous, all colorectal cancers begin as polyps. Although many polyps are asymptomatic in their early stages, potential indicators can include abdominal pain, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits. Because early-stage polyps can be extremely small, regular screening is recommended for detection.