Medical History and Physical Exam for Colorectal Cancer

Exam Overview

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being ready to answer the following questions:

• What are your main symptoms? Although colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms, common symptoms include:
  • Abdominal (belly) cramps.
  • A change in your bowel habits (either constipation or diarrhea).
  • Blood in your stools.
  • Narrow stools.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Fatigue.
  • Loss of appetite.
• How long have you had the symptoms?
• Are your symptoms getting worse?
• Do you smoke or use other types of tobacco?
• What foods do you typically eat? Do you eat a lot of processed foods and animal fats?
• Have you ever been told you have cancer, either colorectal or another type?
• Has anyone else in your family ever been diagnosed with colorectal or another type of cancer?
• Do you have any type of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease?
• What drugs do you take? Make a complete list of all your prescriptions and any over-the-counter drugs, and take the list with you to your appointment.

During a physical exam, your doctor will:

• Take your temperature and weight.
• Listen to your heart and lungs.
• Inspect your abdomen for signs of a tumor, enlargement of your liver, or swelling.
• Perform a digital rectal exam.