However, a persistent change from your usual pattern deserves attention.
You might suddenly begin having constipation when you normally do not. Perhaps you develop frequent diarrhea, or your bowel movements become noticeably different in consistency or frequency.
Another possible symptom is the feeling that your bowel has not completely emptied after using the bathroom.
These changes can have many causes, including diet, infections, medications, stress, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive conditions. But because changes in bowel habits can also occur with colorectal cancer, persistent symptoms should not simply be ignored.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically identifies changes in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, and incomplete bowel emptying as possible symptoms of colorectal cancer. Centers for Disease Control
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## 3\. Persistent Abdominal Pain or Cramping
Occasional gas, bloating, or stomach discomfort is common.
The concern is persistent or unexplained abdominal discomfort.
Some people with colorectal cancer may experience abdominal pain, aches, cramping, bloating, or a feeling of fullness. These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, however, so experiencing abdominal discomfort alone does not establish a diagnosis.
