I'm 56, male. Do stool changes signal colorectal cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 56-year-old man, and I have always had gut issues like acidity, reflux, and indigestion. Recently, I have been reading about colorectal cancer, and it has made me concerned. I have heard that changes in stool can be a sign of this cancer. Is that true? I am apprehensive because I have had these gut problems for a long time, and I want to ensure I am not missing any warning signs.

Can you determine if something is wrong just by looking at your stool?
Are there specific symptoms or patterns I should watch for?
What should I look out for, and are there any tests I should consider?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out.

Changes in stool characteristics can sometimes indicate colorectal cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the colon (large intestine) or rectum), but other symptoms are more common:

Symptoms to watch for:

Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation).
Blood in the stool.
Abdominal pain.
Unexplained weight loss.

Specific signs:

Dark or bright red blood in stool.
Narrow or pencil-thin stools.
A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying.

I suggest the following tests to consider:

Screening tests like a colonoscopy.
Stool tests (fecal occult blood test).

These tests are recommended for early detection, especially if you are over 50 or have risk factors.

I suggest you consult a healthcare provider promptly if you notice any concerning symptoms or changes in your bowel habits for evaluation and appropriate testing.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.