- Narrow “pencil” stools: This can happen when a growing tumor narrows the intestinal passage.
- Pain with defecation (dyschezia): Often tied to rectal cancer.
- Unable to empty the bowel (tenesmus): A hallmark of early-stage rectal cancer.
- Rectal bleeding: Especially common with tumors in the lower bowel.
- Abdominal pain: Triggered when inflammation irritates pain receptors.
- Fatigue: Often arises from anemia caused by internal blood loss.
Poop Changes in Regional Colon Cancer
By stage three, colon cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. At this point, changes in bowel movements can get more pronounced as the tumor digs deeper into intestinal tissues: