Pay attention to patterns.
Does the discomfort keep returning? Is it becoming more frequent? Does it interfere with your normal activities? Is it accompanied by changes in bowel movements, blood in the stool, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss?
If abdominal pain does not go away or repeatedly returns without an obvious explanation, talk with a healthcare professional.
The NCI and CDC both list persistent abdominal discomfort, pain, aches, or cramps among possible colorectal cancer symptoms. Centers for Disease Control+1
## 4\. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without intentionally changing your diet or exercise routine can be a reason to seek medical advice.
Unexplained weight loss has many possible causes. It can occur because of changes in appetite, digestive problems, infections, hormonal conditions, stress, medications, and numerous other illnesses.
Cancer is one possible cause, but it should not automatically be assumed to be the explanation.
What matters is that unexpected weight loss is a change that deserves investigation, particularly when it occurs alongside other symptoms.
