Changes in stool, such as blood in the stool and looser, more frequent stools, can be caused by colon cancer. Abdominal pain is one of the many symptoms that people with colon cancer may experience.
These symptoms don’t always indicate colon cancer; they can also be found in other gastrointestinal disorders. It’s also critical to keep in mind that some patients with colon cancer may not exhibit any symptoms at all and that they may have normal-looking, healthy stools
This post will explain the connection between colon cancer and bowel movements, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do if you suspect colon cancer.
Colon Cancer and Poop: Early Signs
A change in bowel movements or stool is one of the early indicators of colon cancer. Colon cancer-related stools may appear thinner and differ from normal stools in terms of color and consistency.
Unexplained changes in stool appearance or movement should probably raise concerns about colon cancer more than any other symptom, especially if the symptoms increase or continue.
The following are a few mild indicators of colon cancer in its early stages:
- Narrow “pencil” stools: Caused by the narrowing of the intestinal passage as the tumor starts to grow
- Pain with defecation: Also known as dyschezia, a symptom commonly associated with rectal cancer
- A sensation of being unable to empty the bowel: Also known as tenesmus, commonly seen with early-stage rectal cancer
- Rectal bleeding: More common with rectal cancer or cancer in the lower bowel
- Abdominal pain: Caused when localized inflammation triggers pain receptors called visceral nociceptors
- Fatigue: Due to intestinal bleeding, the loss of red blood cells, and the development of anemia
The color, content, and frequency of your bowel movements might all change as a result of colon cancer. Blood in the stool, flat or narrow stools, diarrhea, and more frequent bowel movements are some examples of these alterations. Poop can get viscous and black in its later stages.
Other gastrointestinal disorders can also cause changes in bowel habits and feces consistency. You should always have these symptoms examined by a healthcare professional, even though they aren’t necessarily an indication of cancer. If detected in its early stages, colon cancer is very curable.
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