Colorectal cancer symptoms often appear silently at first, which is one reason why this disease has become one of the most common cancers worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, accounting for more than 1.9 million new cases each year. Many patients are unaware of the early symptoms of colorectal cancer, mistaking them for minor digestive issues or aging. This delay in recognition can reduce survival chances drastically. However, with timely awareness and treatment at advanced centers like Gleneagles Cancer Institute in Bangalore under the guidance of Dr. Mathangi J, survival outcomes improve significantly.
In this article, you will discover not only what to watch for in terms of colon cancer symptoms but also why certain seemingly harmless issues like hemorrhoids, persistent fatigue, or abdominal pain can sometimes mask deeper conditions. We will explore these red flags in detail and explain how expert-led interventions such as those provided by Dr. Mathangi, Senior Consultant & In-charge of Radiation Oncology, play a pivotal role in guiding patients towards recovery.
The early symptoms of colorectal cancer can be subtle, often mimicking other gastrointestinal issues. The most common signs include:
These colorectal cancer symptoms should never be ignored. If you notice one or more persisting for more than two weeks, a consultation with a cancer specialist becomes critical. At Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Dr. Mathangi ensures that each patient undergoes accurate screening, diagnosis, and if needed, personalized treatment strategies that prioritize both efficacy and quality of life.
Many people associate rectal bleeding with hemorrhoids, a common condition involving swollen veins in the rectal area. While hemorrhoids are indeed a frequent cause of bleeding, they are not the only explanation. Persistent or unexplained bleeding can indicate colon cancer symptoms or even advanced disease. What differentiates bleeding due to hemorrhoids from cancer is often the frequency, associated pain, and accompanying signs such as weight loss or changes in stool shape.
Dr. Mathangi emphasizes that patients must not self-diagnose. Early intervention—through colonoscopy or imaging studies—helps rule out cancer or detect it in a treatable stage. In her two decades of experience, she has seen countless patients who initially dismissed blood in stool as “piles” but later required cancer-directed therapy. The earlier you consult, the greater the possibility of curative treatment.
While abdominal pain is a symptom of multiple benign conditions, persistent cramping or discomfort that does not resolve with lifestyle adjustments could be a warning sign of cancer. Pain arises when tumors obstruct the bowel or irritate the intestinal lining. In advanced cases, this can even lead to bowel perforation or severe infections.
Unlike transient pain due to gastritis or indigestion, cancer-related abdominal pain is often accompanied by bloating, difficulty in passing stool, or unexplained nausea. Dr. Mathangi advises that persistent abdominal pain lasting more than two weeks warrants investigation, especially when combined with other colorectal cancer symptoms.
One of the most overlooked indicators is chronic fatigue. Patients often attribute tiredness to stress, work, or age. However, colorectal cancer can lead to slow internal bleeding, which reduces the body’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Anemic patients experience exhaustion, dizziness, and shortness of breath even with minor activity.
Dr. Mathangi highlights that fatigue combined with unexplained weight loss and other digestive disturbances strongly points towards a deeper cause. Identifying and addressing this early improves patient prognosis, as anemia often signals ongoing hidden blood loss within the digestive tract.
Persistent changes in bowel habits—whether constipation, diarrhea, or narrowing of stool—should not be dismissed as dietary imbalance. Tumors can physically block the bowel or alter intestinal motility. Patients might notice pencil-thin stools, increased frequency, or the sensation of incomplete evacuation.
Such colorectal cancer symptoms should not be confused with temporary food intolerances. If changes in bowel habits continue beyond a couple of weeks, especially when accompanied by rectal bleeding or abdominal discomfort, professional evaluation is essential. At Gleneagles, patients benefit from advanced imaging and colonoscopy services to detect abnormalities quickly.
Distinguishing colon cancer symptoms from other common gastrointestinal conditions is vital. While conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, or infections may cause similar complaints, the persistence and combination of symptoms set cancer apart. For example:
When in doubt, Dr. Mathangi recommends prompt diagnostic testing. With advanced training in radiation oncology and access to cutting-edge technologies, she offers precision-based treatment that targets tumors effectively while sparing healthy tissues.
It is crucial to consult a specialist if you experience:
Delaying medical consultation can turn a curable condition into a life-threatening one. Dr. Mathangi’s expertise ensures that patients not only receive timely diagnosis but also world-class care tailored to their needs.
Once diagnosed, colorectal cancer management may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these. As a Senior Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Mathangi specializes in advanced radiation techniques such as Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), Gated RapidArc, and image-guided interstitial brachytherapy. These allow targeted destruction of cancer cells while preserving healthy tissues.
Cancers that often need radiation therapy include head and neck cancers, brain tumors, spine tumors, esophagus and rectal cancers, lung cancers, liver cancers, breast cancers, bladder cancers, prostate cancers, uterine cancers, cervical cancers, vulval cancers, anal canal cancers, and penile cancers. Rectal cancers, in particular, benefit significantly from precise radiation that shrinks tumors before surgery or eliminates microscopic disease afterward.
Dr. Mathangi J is the Senior Consultant and In-charge of Radiation Oncology at Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Bangalore. With over 20 years of experience and more than 12,000 patients successfully treated, she is a pioneer in introducing technologies like the Asia Pacific’s first TrueBeam STx Machine. Her expertise extends across stereotactic techniques, intraoperative radiotherapy, and advanced image-guided methods.
She is widely recognized for her patient-centric approach, combining compassion with technical excellence. Patients benefit from her training in Germany and Denmark, where she mastered some of the world’s most advanced radiation therapies. As Director of the Fellowship in Advanced Radiotherapy techniques under RGUHS, she also trains future oncologists, ensuring her knowledge benefits the wider medical community.
If you suspect any colorectal cancer symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, do not delay. Early detection saves lives. To consult with Dr. Mathangi, visit her official website and fill out the contact form at https://drmathangi.com/contact/. Her dedicated team will reach out to schedule your appointment and guide you through the next steps.
Take charge of your health today—because waiting could cost more than time.
Early warning signs can be subtle: small amounts of rectal bleeding, unexplained fatigue, intermittent abdominal pain, and persistent changes in bowel habits such as narrower stools or a new pattern of constipation/diarrhea. If any of these last beyond two weeks, book a prompt evaluation with Senior Radiation Oncologist Dr. Mathangi J at Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Bangalore.
Hemorrhoids commonly cause bright red blood on tissue after straining, but they rarely cause ongoing weight loss, iron-deficiency anemia, or progressive changes in stool shape. By contrast, colorectal cancer symptoms often cluster—bleeding plus altered stool caliber, unexplained fatigue, and persistent abdominal discomfort. A focused exam, anoscopy/colonoscopy, and labs ordered by Dr. Mathangi can clarify the cause and timeline appropriate treatment.
These colon cancer symptoms warrant a same-week assessment. Dr. Mathangi coordinates streamlined diagnostics and, when needed, multimodality treatment planning in collaboration with surgical and medical oncology.
Short-term shifts after travel or a new diet are common. Concerning patterns are changes in bowel habits that persist beyond two weeks, especially pencil-thin stools, a sense of incomplete emptying, and night-time symptoms. Tumors can narrow the lumen or disrupt motility—signs that warrant a colonoscopy pathway, which Dr. Mathangi can arrange rapidly to avoid diagnostic delay.
Yes. Slow, occult bleeding from a right-sided lesion may present chiefly as iron-deficiency anemia and chronic fatigue, without obvious bleeding. A complete blood count, iron studies, and age-appropriate colonoscopy are key next steps. Under Dr. Mathangi’s guidance, diagnostic work-up and definitive therapy are sequenced to minimize time to treatment while preserving quality of life.
Persistent, localized abdominal pain with bloating, colicky cramps after meals, or pain paired with altered stools raises suspicion for obstruction or inflammation around a mass. Imaging (CT/MRI) and endoscopy help determine location and stage. For rectal tumors, Dr. Mathangi often integrates precision radiotherapy to shrink the tumor pre-operatively or sterilize microscopic disease post-operatively.
Care is individualized by stage and site. Options include surgery, systemic therapy, and advanced radiation. As Senior Consultant & In-charge of Radiation Oncology at Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Bangalore, Dr. Mathangi employs techniques like SBRT, image-guided RapidArc, and interstitial brachytherapy for select rectal and oligometastatic settings—aiming for tumor control with organ preservation whenever feasible.
Absolutely. Screening saves lives even when you feel well. A family history, prior polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic syndromes merits earlier and more frequent colonoscopy. Screening can catch symptoms of colorectal cancer at a precancerous stage—polyps—before they become dangerous. Dr. Mathangi’s team can align you with the right screening cadence and follow-up plan.
