Before aTumor in the intestineTo be detected, masses of cancer cells must first accumulate. But before that, your body could already be sending you signals. The fact that the stool in the case of colon cancer provides clues to the disease is nothing new for many people. The NHS advises that a persistent, unexplained change in bowel habits could be such a clue. What does the stool look like if you have colon cancer?
Bowel cancer stool – Pay attention to the shape
The NHS warns that loose, less-formed stools, typical of diarrhea, could be a sign of bowel cancer if it lasts for three weeks or longer. The same also applies to the reverse variant: the stool in the case of colon cancer can also be firmer than usual. The American Cancer Society therefore recommends that “stool restriction” that lasts longer than a few days be examined by a doctor.
However, the shape is not the only possible symptom that can be detected in the stool of colon cancer. Other possible clues your body is giving you include:
- The feeling of not having completely emptied the bowels, even though this is the case
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool
- abdominal cramps
- weakness
- fatigue
Stool in colon cancer – typical symptom combinations
The American Cancer Society also reassures people by noting that many colon cancer symptoms can also be due to other diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids or inflammatory bowel disease. And precisely because the causes can be varied, a visit to the doctor and a test is the only way to be sure. The NHS adds that 90 percent of people with bowel cancer have one of the following combinations of symptoms:
- A persistent change in bowel habits, such as more frequent bowel movements with looser, more liquid stools and sometimes abdominal pain.
- Blood in the feces without other symptoms of hemorrhoids. This makes it unlikely that the cause is actually hemorrhoids.
How high is my risk of colon cancer?
Almost 9 out of 10 colon cancer patients are over 60 years old. The risk is also increased if you eat a diet consisting primarily of red and processed meat and do not consume enough fiber. The same applies if you smoke, drink alcohol, are obese orsuffer from lack of exercise. Relatives who have had colon cancer under the age of 50 also increase your risk of developing the disease. In such cases, you should pay special attention to the signs that the stool gives you of colon cancer.
