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. [1]
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.
Changes in bowel habits can be an early warning sign of colon cancer. Symptoms include pencil-thin stools, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, tenesmus (feeling of incomplete evacuation), and fatigue due to anemia. As colon cancer progresses, signs like alternating constipation and diarrhea, blood in stool, bloating, and iron deficiency anemia become more common. In advanced stages, stools may appear dark and tar-like (melena), caused by internal bleeding. Additional symptoms may include nausea, weight loss, vomiting, or bowel obstruction. Not all patients experience symptoms, especially in early stages, so any unexplained changes in poop should be evaluated by a medical professional without delay.
