Doctors reveal bowel cancer warning sign that can be spotted in the shape of your poo

Bowel cancer is now the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Yet, thankfully, there are a few warning signs that you can look out for. Which is why you might want to have a quick check of your toilet bowl before you go to flush.

Whether we like it or not, our bathroom habits can tell us quite a bit about our health. Even though our stool – or poo – can change texture and colour from time to time, normally because of a change in our diet, this could potentially indicate something more serious which might need further investigation.

While we might not pay much attention ordinarily, there is something called the Bristol Stool Chart, and this lets you know what healthy and slightly worrisome stools look like. For example, we should be aiming for faeces that are sausage-like in shape. They can have cracks on their surface or be a bit slender.

It's important to take the time to double check before you flush (Getty Stock)

Now, some of us can also get constipated from time to time, too. This is what it’s called when you struggle to pass stools or have had fewer than three bowel movements a week. Or you might even have a chronic digestive condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diverticulitis, which can cause your stools to change shape and consistency.

However, if you’ve spotted thin, narrow stools with more frequency, this could be a sign of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer as it affects the colon (large bowel) or the back passage (rectum).

These narrow stools can resemble a pencil-like or ribbon shape and might signal that there is an obstruction of some kind in your digestive system.

According to the Fight Colorectal Cancer charity: “For the most part, narrow stools that occur infrequently are not a cause for concern. But if you experience ribbon-like stools for more than a week, seek medical attention.”

There are a few reasons why our digestive system might not be working as it should and this is reflected in our stools (Getty Stock)

And the Mayo Clinic concurs. “In some cases, narrow stools - especially if pencil thin - may be a sign that the colon is narrowing or has a blockage. And that could be due to colon cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also may cause changes in the size of your stools,” they explain.

If you’re at all unsure of have noticed any recent changes to your stools, you can either book in to see your GP or call NHS 111.

Additional warning signs and symptoms of bowel cancer to keep an eye out for:

• Blood in your stool
• Persistent bleeding from your bottom
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Unintentional weight loss
• A lump in your abdomen
• An urge to poo more frequently, especially if you’ve just been to the toilet
• Feeling extremely tired for no reason

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