Symptom 7: Bright Red or Very Dark Stool
The palette of stool colors is broad, with variations often linked to diet and hydration. However, when the spectrum shifts to bright red or a very dark, almost tar-like hue, it’s time for concern. Such color changes can indicate the presence of blood, a symptom that’s intrinsically linked with colorectal cancer.
Bright red blood usually suggests that the bleeding source is closer to the rectum or the end of the colon. It might be fresh bleeding, potentially from a growing tumor that’s come into contact with the passing stool. On the other hand, very dark or black stool, termed melena, indicates that the blood has been digested. This suggests that the bleeding source is higher up in the digestive tract.
Apart from the color, the texture provides clues. Blood might make the stool appear stickier, almost tarry in consistency. If there’s significant bleeding, the stool might be looser, taking on a watery consistency. In contrast, minor bleeding, especially from tumors higher up in the colon, might not alter the stool’s consistency noticeably. (7)
