Final answer:
Pain and tenderness from colorectal cancer are often felt in the abdominal region and can be associated with changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy is a key diagnostic tool for detecting and removing precancerous polyps. Regular screening is recommended, especially for those over 50 or with increased risk factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The location of PAIN and TENDERNESS in colorectal cancer typically manifests in the abdominal area. Symptoms associated with colorectal cancer can include constipation, diarrhea, cramping, and abdominal pain. Rectal bleeding is another sign, which may be visible or might be occult, meaning it is hidden within the feces.
Early warning signs of colorectal cancer may stem from a primary tumor or its ulceration, which can alter bowel habits or cause rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy serves as a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic tool in identifying and potentially removing precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Since most colorectal cancers begin as benign polyps on the colon's mucosal lining, prevention efforts focus on screening, particularly for individuals over 50, to spot and remove these growths early on.
Screening methods include fecal occult blood tests and DNA analysis from stool samples, which if positive, necessitate a follow-up colonoscopy. This invasive procedure allows direct visualization of the colon and rectum for the detection of cancerous lesions and the removal of polyps.