how can i tell if i have colorectal cancer

Specific blood tests that your gastroentrologist can order..CEA? is one that I recall but new tests may be more accurate.

Gosh, if you are truly worried ask your GP for blood tests, but I have had it after having UC for approx 18yrs at diagnosis, so from experience, extreme tiredness and shortness breathe caused by severe anaemia, severe abdominal pain and cramps but intermittent not all time, bleeding, mucus from colon, bloating, occasional vomiting, indigestion also I picked up every other bug going because my immune system was too busy fighting a cancer I didn't know I had. Always get mucus checked, bleeding can be piles or fissures but mucus isn't normal but can still be down to UC. If you are newly diagnosed with UC try not to read too much on the internet, it can frighten you, just have regular scopes, early diagnosis means colon cancer can be one of most curable, don't ignore or cancel scopes.

I should have said, I recovered, never had a bag and still work full time and travel. Doesn't have to be end of your world, just a hiccup along the way, ok a big one but life goes on. Try not to worry.