Medical Minute: Catching colorectal cancer early is essential. Knowing symptoms is the first step.

“Colorectal cancer is actually two different diseases, colon cancer and rectal cancer,” said Irena Gribovskaja-Rupp, MD, colorectal surgeon. “The difference is very important because the treatment is different depending on the disease.”

In this quick and easy video, which you’ll finish watching before you finish your first cup of coffee, you’ll learn more about the symptoms of colorectal cancers and how survival rates have improved thanks to our ability to diagnose and begin treatment early.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer could include unintentional weight loss, diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool or changes in stool colors. Some find it difficult to ask their doctor about these symptoms, but it’s important to mention them as soon as you become aware.

The earlier you are diagnosed, the more quickly you can receive treatment.