• 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.