Introduction. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined. Its incidence and mortality are higher in individuals older than 50 years. Early detection is lifesaving. Aim of the study. Although effective, the colorectal cancer screening is not yet widely practiced. A careful history and physical examination are still the usual methods for suspecting colorectal cancer and ordering appropriate investigation. Therefore, we studied the symptoms and clues to location of colorectal cancer. Materials and methods. We reviewed both hospital and office records for 84 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer, first diagnosed after symptoms appeared, at one regional referral center from 2013-2015. We abstracted data on demographic characteristics, presence of symptoms and characteristics of the tumors. Results. The most common symptoms in patients with colorectal cancer accompanied with bleeding were: rectal bleeding (58%), change in bowel habits (51%), the majority had anemia (57%) and occult bleeding (77%). In patients with intestinal obstruction due to cancer common symptoms were abdominal pain (100%), fecal mass and gas retention (89%), general weakness (95%). In case of peripheral inflammation - fever (77,8%) and weight loss (83,3%). Conclusions. Until the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer becomes more common, we must continue to rely on clinical findings for cancer detection. Our results will remind physicians to keep colorectal cancer on the differential diagnosis list of "chronic" gastrointestinal symptoms.