Changes in bowel movements, such as blood in the stool, looser stools, and increased frequency, can signal colon cancer. Early signs include narrow stools, rectal bleeding, pain during defecation, and fatigue. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other gastrointestinal issues, and some people with colon cancer may show no symptoms at all. As cancer progresses to stage 3 and beyond, symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, alternating bowel habits, and abdominal bloating may appear. In advanced stages (stage 4), symptoms can include dark stools, nausea, weight loss, and even bowel perforation. While changes in stool should be investigated, they don’t always indicate cancer, but early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
