Gastroenterologist David Richards, M.D. says that while colorectal cancer symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating and fatigue are common and non-specific, here are some alarming signs that should make you visit the doctor…

Rectal bleeding

Stools that are black and either loose and sticky or tarry

Unusually severe fatigue (impedes your ability to perform daily activities)

Low blood count

Unintentional weight loss

Iron-deficiency anemia

Dr Richards add, “Things like diarrhea and constipation are so general that they could be due to many possible causes. None of them necessarily means that you have colorectal cancer. But if a symptom is persistent, rather than a one-time issue, it should at least warrant a conversation with your doctor. And, some symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, black stools, and anemia, should prompt a visit to your doctor, if they haven’t already been evaluated.”