Colorectal, Lung and Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

• Constipation
• Blood in the stool
• Narrow or thin stools
• Stomach cramps
• Gas and bloating
• Sense of fullness after eating small amounts
• Nausea and vomiting

Note: Because many of the signs of colorectal cancer can easily be confused with the symptoms of some digestive disorders, it's important to monitor them carefully and inform the doctor if digestive problems reappear frequently, don't clear up quickly, or become chronic. For this reason, regular screening via colonoscopy for colorectal cancer is recommended for everyone over 50.

Having polyps removed from your colon or a history of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, puts you at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Family history is also important with colon cancer, as is race. African-Americans and Jews of Eastern European descent are at particular risk for colorectal cancer. Eating a diet high in animal fat and low in fruits and vegetables is also a risk factor.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• A change in a chronic cough
• Pain or aching when coughing or breathing
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty swallowing

Note: If you or someone you're caring for was or is a smoker, you'll want to bring this to the doctor's attention, even if it was a long time ago. Smoking for any period greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke and certain chemicals is also a risk factor.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Urgent need to urinate
• Frequent urination
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly

Note: Family history is one of the most important risk factors for ovarian cancer. And those with the BRCA genetic mutation (most common in those of Eastern European Jewish descent) are at risk for ovarian cancer as well as breast cancer.