People who have any of the following symptoms should check with their physicians, especially if they are over 50 years old or have a personal or family history of the disease:

• a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days
• rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• cramping or gnawing stomach pain
• decreased appetite
• vomiting
• weakness and fatigue
• jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes

The symptoms of colorectal cancer may resemble other conditions, such as infections, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease. It is also possible to have colon cancer and not have any symptoms. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.