5 symptoms of bowel cancer that are mistaken for common illnesses

A change in your normal bowel habit should not be ignored. Diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few weeks can be a red flag. Though many tend to dismiss it as a result of changes in diet, stress, or medications, it could be more. Anything like diarrhea, constipation, or frequent toilet trips should be addressed seriously. A feeling that you need to poop, even after emptying the bowel warrants attention. A tumor may cause alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation or a feeling that the bowel hasn’t fully emptied.

Blood in the poop is never a good sign. Bright red or dark blood in the stool is often mistaken for hemorrhoids or minor tears. Though these are common causes, rectal bleeding can also indicate bowel cancer, particularly if it recurs or is accompanied by pain or changes in bowel habits.

Sudden, unexplained weight loss is often celebrated as a happy accident or tied to diet changes. Unexplained weight loss is not a good sign. Losing weight even without trying is a sign that should not be ignored. Bowel cancer can cause weight loss due to the body’s increased energy demands or reduced nutrient absorption.

Yes, this could be surprising. Fatigue is a frequent complaint in modern life, often dismissed as stress, lack of sleep, or overwork. However, persistent exhaustion and weakness that doesn’t improve with rest can signal bowel cancer. The disease may cause internal bleeding, leading to anemia, which manifests as unrelenting tiredness.

A lump in the tummy (abdomen) or back passage (rectum) could be a sign. The lump, which often gets dismissed as swelling, could indicate a tumor in the colon or rectum caused by bowel cancer. If this symptom is persistent, it requires further investigation, such as imaging or a colonoscopy.