What’s Normal in the Bathroom: Catching Colon Cancer Early

It can be uncomfortable to talk about bathroom habits, but paying attention to them is important for your health. Changes in what’s normal for you can sometimes be an early indicator of a health issue. 

In this blog, we speak to Grace Crouch, M.D., a colorectal surgeon at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group General and Colorectal Surgery, to learn more. 

“Understanding the signs and symptoms to look for can help you know when it’s time to talk to a doctor,” Crouch says. “Early detection is key to successfully treating many conditions, including colon cancer. If you notice a sudden change or an onset of symptoms, it’s best to speak to your primary care provider.”

What is colon cancer?

The basics: Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine, also known as the colon. It often starts as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous. Regular screenings can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.

• Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the United States.
• The American Cancer Society estimates over 150,000 new cases of colon cancer in 2024.
• Risk factors include age, family history, certain genetic syndromes and lifestyle.
• Screenings like colonoscopies are crucial for early detection and prevention.

What bathroom habits can be a sign of colon cancer?

What to look for: Your bathroom habits are one way that your body tells you about your colon health. It is important to pay attention to your bathroom habits so you can spot any significant shifts that might need medical attention.

• Look for changes in the frequency or consistency of bowel movements.
• Notice the presence of blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
• Pay attention to persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
• Be aware of the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.

Changes in the frequency, size or shape of your bowel movements are something to watch. These changes can signal that something is affecting how stool moves through your colon.

• A persistent change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.
• Stools that are narrower than usual, sometimes called “pencil thin stools.”
• A change in the consistency of your stool.
• Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement more or less often than usual.
• Increased gas, cramps or abdominal pain that doesn’t go away.

Blood in the stool is a significant symptom that should never be ignored. It can appear as bright red streaks or make the stool look dark brown or black.

• Bright red blood often indicates bleeding in the lower part of the colon or rectum.
• Dark, tarry stools can be a sign of bleeding higher up in the digestive tract.
• Sometimes blood is not visible to the naked eye, which is called occult blood.
• Other conditions, like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, can also cause rectal bleeding.
• Any instance of blood in your stool warrants a conversation with a doctor.

A feeling of incomplete bowel movements, known as tenesmus, can be another one of the common colon cancer symptoms. This is the sensation that you need to pass more stool even after you’ve just had a bowel movement.

• This feeling may be persistent and uncomfortable.
• It happens when a tumor in the rectum or lower colon makes you feel like there’s still stool to pass.
• Tenesmus can also be a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• If this feeling lasts for more than a few days, it’s best to consult a health care professional.

Incontinence or a sudden urgency to urinate might seem unrelated, but it can be connected to colon cancer. A tumor in the lower colon or rectum can press on the nearby bladder.

• This pressure can lead to changes in urinary habits.
• You might feel a sudden, strong need to urinate.
• Some people experience leakage or difficulty controlling their bladder.
• It could also feel like your bladder isn’t completely empty after you go.
• While these symptoms are often related to urinary tract issues, they can sometimes be linked to pressure from a colon tumor.

When to see a doctor

The bottom line: You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks. While these signs can be caused by many other less serious conditions, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and colorectal cancer screening.

• Persistent changes in bathroom habits lasting more than a couple of weeks.
• Feeling as though your bladder is not fully empty after urination.
• Difficulty or pain during urination that does not improve.
• Blood in your urine or stool may indicate underlying issues.
• Unexplained pressure or discomfort that could stem from other causes, such as a colon tumor.

Find a doctor at INTEGRIS Health today

Next steps: Your health is our priority at INTEGRIS Health. If you’re concerned about changes in your digestive health or want to learn more about colon cancer screening, our team of experienced health care professionals is here to help. We offer comprehensive care, from routine screenings to advanced treatment options. Find a doctor today!

Get a Colonoscopy and Get Peace of Mind

Early detection makes all the difference when it comes to colorectal cancer. Contact your primary care physician and ask for a referral to a gastrointestinal doctor or a colorectal surgeon for a colonoscopy.

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