Symptom 2: Changes in Bowel Habits
Bowel habits are as unique as fingerprints. What’s regular for one person might be irregular for another. However, sudden and unexplained changes in these habits can be concerning. A shift from one’s norm, be it prolonged constipation or diarrhea, might not just be a response to a bad meal or a stomach bug. In the context of colorectal cancer, these changes can be due to a tumor’s presence and its interference with the colon’s functioning.
It’s not just about the consistency of the stool but also its frequency. There might be instances where one feels the urge to defecate more often than usual, yet there’s very little stool to pass. Conversely, there might be prolonged intervals between bowel movements, leading to hard, painful-to-pass stools.
Further compounding the issue could be the sensation of incomplete evacuation. After a bowel movement, there might still be the lingering feeling that not everything has been cleared out. This can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom, increasing discomfort, and concern. (2)
