Signs and Symptoms of Colon / Rectal Cancer

Colon and rectal cancers, collectively known as colorectal cancer, are among the most common and deadly forms of cancer in the United States. Yet, with early detection, they are also among the most preventable and treatable. The signs and symptoms of colon/rectal cancer can present subtly at first, including persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, or ongoing abdominal discomfort. When healthcare professionals fail to recognize or respond appropriately to these red flags, the consequences can be devastating. If you or someone you love suffered harm because a doctor failed to respond to the signs and symptoms of colon/rectal cancer, you may be entitled to legal relief, and you should talk to an attorney. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP Cancer Lawyers, our experienced Syracuse cancer lawyers take pride in advocating for victims of incompetent medical care, and if you hire us, we will gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable result. We represent clients in cancer malpractice cases in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of colon/rectal cancer is essential to early diagnosis and effective treatment. These symptoms may include blood in the stool, narrow or ribbon-like stools, persistent constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, iron-deficiency anemia, and a sensation of incomplete evacuation. Because these signs often overlap with benign conditions such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or dietary issues, they are sometimes dismissed without proper investigation. This is especially true in younger patients, where assumptions about age-related risk may cause doctors to delay ordering colonoscopies or referring patients to specialists.

When the signs and symptoms of colon/rectal cancer are ignored, patients may unknowingly progress from a localized stage to regional or even distant metastasis. In its early stages, colorectal cancer is often curable through surgical removal of polyps or tumors. However, once the disease spreads to lymph nodes, the liver, or lungs, treatment becomes significantly more invasive and prognosis worsens dramatically. Delayed diagnosis may lead to intensive chemotherapy, invasive surgeries including colostomies, chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction, or terminal illness. Patients often lose months or years of potential life and experience suffering that could have been prevented with timely and competent care.

When a physician fails to detect or act on the signs and symptoms of colon/rectal cancer, and a patient suffers as a result, a medical malpractice claim may be appropriate. In New York, such claims require the plaintiff to prove that the provider acted negligently under the circumstances. This involves establishing four core elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.

Duty arises from the professional relationship between the physician and patient. Every licensed provider in New York owes a legal obligation to exercise the level of care, skill, and diligence that is expected of reasonably competent professionals in similar circumstances. When a physician overlooks the signs and symptoms of colon/rectal cancer, such as ignoring rectal bleeding or failing to investigate unexplained anemia, that duty may be breached.

Once a breach is established, the plaintiff must demonstrate causation: that the delay in diagnosis was a substantial factor in allowing the cancer to progress and that earlier detection would have likely resulted in a better outcome. Proving this typically requires expert medical testimony to explain how and when the cancer could have been discovered, how the standard of care was violated, and how timely intervention would have changed the patient’s trajectory.

Finally, the plaintiff must show they suffered actual harm. This harm may include the need for more aggressive treatments, a worsened prognosis, diminished life expectancy, emotional trauma, and significant financial losses. Compensable damages in New York include medical expenses, lost income, the cost of future care, and pain and suffering.

The signs and symptoms of colon/rectal cancer are medically significant indicators that demand thorough evaluation. When medical professionals dismiss or fail to investigate these symptoms, the result can be a missed opportunity to detect a curable cancer before it becomes life-threatening. If you or someone you care about has suffered due to a delayed diagnosis of colon/rectal cancer, it is important to understand your legal rights. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP Cancer Lawyers, our skilled Syracuse cancer attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and resources to hold providers accountable, and if you engage our services, we will help you to pursue the compensation you deserve. We serve individuals and families across Syracuse, Rochester, and all of Upstate New York. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online.