Unexpected colon cancer warning: This change in stool thickness could signal trouble

Colorectal cancer is on the rise in recent decades especially in young or those below 50 in the United States. Almost double the number of young adults under 55 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer today compared to a decade ago, and more are dying from the disease each year, according to the

American Cancer Society

(ACS).
While the exact reason for this rise isn’t known, lifestyle and environmental factors are said to be culprits behind this consistent increase in cases. Being overweight or obese may raise chances of getting early-onset colorectal cancer, which may happen as more and more people are leading sedentary way of life.

Toilet habits tell it all

The

signs of colorectal cancer

can often be observed in the toilet habits. Many of these symptoms may overlap with that of other diseases and disorders from constipation, IBS to hemorrhoids. There is one lesser-known symptom of colorectal cancer that has been widely discussed in social media – pencil-thin poop.

What changes in stool thickness says about your health

A TikTok user noticed that her stools were thinner than usual, along with other usual symptoms of colorectal cancer like unexplained weight loss and diarrhea. The woman who initially thought it was

irritable bowel syndrome

, was eventually diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

Pencil-thin stools

may or may not indicate colorectal cancer. If not accompanied by other usual signs of colon cancer, it may also be an indication of constipation, or IBS.
“The misconception that “low caliber stool” or “pencil-thin stool” is a reliable sign of colorectal cancer (CRC) originated in the late 19th century and, despite being dismissed by mid-20th-century gastroenterology experts, has persisted in modern medical textbooks. This myth leads to numerous unwarranted referrals for colonoscopy, even though low-caliber stool is more commonly associated with loose stools or diarrhea rather than CRC. Without other authentic CRC symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal cramps, or anemia, these referrals are unnecessary and contribute to patient discomfort, increased risks, and strain on healthcare resources,” according to a review published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences.

However, if accompanied by other signs of colon cancer, pencil-thin stools may indicate the presence of the malignancy.
Gradual narrowing of your stool could be one symptom of colon cancer, but it’s usually the result of other, much less serious conditions.

If colorectal cancer is the cause of your narrow stool, you might have these other symptoms:
Blood in or on your stool
Changes in your poop habits, like diarrhea, constipation, or bowel incontinence
Anemia
Belly pain or bloating
Weight loss you can’t explain
Vomiting
In all, pencil-thin poop in isolation isn’t an indication of colon cancer unless accompanied by other usual signs.