A medical professional has shed light on certain symptoms of colorectal cancer that are frequently misinterpreted as other conditions and explained why this happens.
The topic of colorectal cancer and its symptoms has gained significant attention recently after the passing of James Van Der Beek.
James Van Der Beek, recognized for his roles in productions like Dawson’s Creek, Varsity Blues, and The Rules of Attraction, as well as his participation in Dancing With The Stars, passed away on Tuesday (February 11) at the age of 48.
Following his death, his family organized a GoFundMe page and shared the news on Instagram in a heartfelt tribute, describing him as ‘a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend’.
Van Der Beek publicly shared his battle with cancer in 2024, after having fought the severe illness privately for more than a year.
He dedicated himself to spreading awareness about colorectal cancer, a disease responsible for claiming over 900,000 lives each year globally.
He candidly shared his experience with symptoms, mentioning how he initially attributed changes in his bowel habits to excessive coffee consumption.
Dr. Donald Grant, a GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained that it’s common for individuals to misinterpret symptoms of colorectal cancer.
Dr. Grant stated: “With so many overlapping symptoms, it can be easy to mistake colorectal cancer for a different condition, which can often delay diagnosis and reduce prompt treatment.”
He pointed out that the recent passing of actor James Van Der Beek underscores the necessity of recognizing the key indicators of the disease, especially those that are frequently mistaken for less serious issues.
Dr. Grant detailed which symptoms could be incorrectly perceived as minor and emphasized when it is critical to consult a doctor.
“Firstly, changes in bowel habits are a significant sign of colorectal cancer, but with so many other potential causes, such as stress, dietary changes, IBS or minor infections, they can be quickly dismissed as harmless or temporary,” explained Dr Grant.
“Persistent diarrhoea, constipation and blood in the stool can be warning signs of this cancer, so continuous bowel issues should always be addressed to ensure it’s not a sign of a potentially fatal condition.”
He further explained: “Abdominal discomfort such as bloating and cramps can also be a sign of colorectal cancer. Again, with so many potential causes, these symptoms may be attributed to indigestion, trapped wind, food intolerance or hormonal changes, and therefore overlooked.”
“Occasional cramping or bloating is common, but anyone experiencing symptoms that last for weeks should seek medical advice from their GP.”
“Finally, colorectal cancer can cause slow internal bleeding, which can quickly lead to iron-deficiency anaemia,” noted Dr Grant, adding that this can result in unexplained fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
He continued: “However, as tiredness is so common, it’s no surprise that it’s often mistaken for stress or poor sleep. Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest should always be investigated to rule out serious conditions such as colorectal cancer.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.