While temporary changes in stool can result from dietary shifts or stress, recurrent or consistent changes in shape and frequency should be taken seriously. This symptom is especially alarming if accompanied by a sense of incomplete evacuation or sudden urgency to defecate without much output.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss: Not Always a Welcome Surprise
Weight loss without dieting or increased exercise can seem like a blessing—but sudden, unintentional weight loss is a major warning sign that something is wrong. Colon cancer can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, and the body may also burn more calories due to the energy demands of the tumor.
Cancer cells often secrete substances that alter metabolism, leading to muscle and fat loss even when dietary intake remains unchanged. If a person loses more than 10 pounds in less than six months without any intentional lifestyle change, it warrants immediate medical evaluation.
4. Frequent Cramping and Gas Pains: Not Just Indigestion
While gas and bloating are common after eating certain foods, frequent cramping or bloating without dietary triggers can indicate a deeper issue. Tumors growing in the colon can cause partial blockages, leading to recurrent abdominal discomfort, gassy pressure, and sharp cramps.
