Other than skin cancers, colon or colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer in both men and women. Doctors warn that the risk rises significantly with age, especially in adults over 50. However, a worrying trend has emerged: cases among younger adults are increasing, and colon cancer has now become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men under 50. This makes awareness of early symptoms crucial for everyone, regardless of age.
Experts emphasise that prognosis improves sharply when colon cancer is detected early. Unfortunately, many early signs resemble common digestive issues, causing people to ignore them until the disease progresses to a harder-to-treat stage.
Why Stool Changes Are Important Indicators
Studies show that if colon cancer is diagnosed at a localised stage, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 90%. This drops to 73% with regional spread and just 13% once the cancer reaches distant organs. This is why stool changes, often the earliest visible signs, should never be overlooked.
Below are four critical stool changes that may signal colon cancer.
Pencil-Thin Poop
If you suddenly notice your stool becoming pencil-thin, it could suggest a tumour narrowing the colon passage. While constipation can also cause thin stools, persistent change accompanied by blood, pain, or altered bowel habits requires medical attention. Tumours growing inside the colon can limit space, resulting in thinner stools over time.
Blood in Stool
Blood in the stool is one of the most common early signs. Although conditions like haemorrhoids or fissures may also cause bleeding, persistent bleeding warrants immediate evaluation. Studies indicate that nearly 60% of early colon cancer cases present with rectal bleeding.
Mucus in Stool
A small amount of mucus is normal, but consistent mucus with blood or abdominal pain may indicate colorectal cancer. Excess mucus is usually due to IBS, Crohn’s disease, or infections, but prolonged symptoms should not be ignored.
Constant Diarrhoea
Persistent diarrhoea can reflect a tumour affecting bowel function. While diet changes or infections are common triggers, diarrhoea lasting more than a month or two should be evaluated.
Other Warning Signs
Watch for abdominal or pelvic pain, bowel habit changes, and unexplained weight loss. Women should note that pelvic pain unrelated to menstrual cycles also needs medical attention.
