Difficulty going number-two
“Tumors often cause blockages that will make it harder for you to pass [stool],” says Dr. Kisiel. They also will alter the shape of your stool, often making them thinner and pencil-shaped. You also may experience diarrhea. Talk to your doctor if you notice these changes for longer than 4 weeks.
Abdominal cramping, pain, or gas
If you’re noticing more stomach pains, especially when going to the bathroom, it could be a sign of colon cancer. You also may experience more gas. “Significantly increased gas that lasts several weeks or recurs over time,” says Jeffrey Clark, MD, an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital.
