Poop and Colon Cancer: Warning Signs To Look For And When To Seek For Help

Understanding Colon Cancer and Bowel Movements

Colon cancer can cause changes in your bowel habits, such as blood in the stool or needing to go more often. You might also experience abdominal pain. These signs don’t always mean you have colon cancer. They can also be signs of other digestive issues. Some people with colon cancer might not show any symptoms at all and could still have normal bowel movements.

Let’s delve into how colon cancer can affect your stool, what to keep an eye out for, and what steps to take if you’re worried about having this condition.

Signs of Colon Cancer through Stool Changes

One of the first hints of colon cancer can be a change in your bowel motions or the appearance of your stool. Your stools may appear thinner and differ in color and consistency.

Any unexplained change in your stool movement or look should make you think about colon cancer, especially if these changes become regular or worsen over time.

Recognizing Early Colon Cancer Symptoms

In the early stages of colon cancer, stools might present some subtle changes, like being narrower than usual. These changes often carry more significance when they occur without any obvious cause.

Keep in mind that these early indicators might be difficult to spot, but it’s crucial to pay attention to your body’s signals.

Changes in Stool with Regional Colon Cancer

When colon cancer reaches stage three, it starts spreading to nearby lymph nodes. As the tumor grows into deeper layers of the intestinal tissues, it constricts the intestinal tract, leading to noticeable changes in your bowel habits.

You might notice a more obvious shift in symptoms, such as a feeling of an incomplete bowel evacuation, or a change in stool appearance or frequency.

At times, the growth of scar tissue and blockages can cause partial or complete obstruction of the bowel. Bleeding might become more apparent, although it isn’t always visible in the stool.

Recognizing Symptoms in Advanced Colon Cancer

In its most advanced stage, stage 4, colon cancer may spread to distant organs. This is when symptoms become more pronounced due to intestinal blockages and bleeding.

Your stool might become dark and sticky, a condition known as melena, especially if the cancer is on the right side of the colon. This happens because the blood takes longer to travel and undergoes chemical changes along its passage.

Additional Symptoms of Advanced Disease

Sometimes, tissues might get overstretched, leading to bowel perforation. If cancer spreads to other areas like the liver or bones, you might experience new symptoms.

While it’s more common for symptoms to appear in stage 4, not everyone feels them. Some patients continue to feel fine if there is no obstruction, perforation, or bleeding.

Essential Takeaways

Colon cancer can lead to changes in the color, shape, and frequency of your bowel movements. Some of these changes include blood in the stool, flattened or narrow stools, diarrhea, and more frequent bathroom visits. In later stages, stool might become dark and dense.

Remember, other digestive issues might also cause similar changes in bowel habits and stool consistency. It’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider about these symptoms, even if they might not indicate cancer since early detection of colon cancer makes it more treatable.

Take care of your health, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you notice any worrying changes. Remember, catching things early makes all the difference.