Pay Attention to Your Poop: A Source of Health Insight
Have you recently paid attention to your bowel movements? It might actually be crucial for your health, according to gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha.
With colorectal cancers now being the leading cause of cancer deaths in individuals under 50, Dr. Pasricha has observed a concerning trend among her patients. Many seem to take a “flush it and forget it” approach when it comes to their bowel movements, overlooking important signals about their health.
She mentioned to Business Insider, “There’s a lot of embarrassment about even saying that you look and then using the right words to describe what it is that you saw.”
Subtle changes in bathroom habits—like unexpected diarrhea, constipation, or an urgent need to go—can potentially be early indicators of colon cancer. This form of cancer often remains asymptomatic until it reaches a more advanced and harder-to-treat stage.
“The big problem is that we’re catching them late,” Dr. Pasricha stated, emphasizing that the timing of the diagnosis is crucial.
In her new book, “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong,” Dr. Pasricha explains how digestion can serve as a key indicator of overall health, including the risk of colon cancer. She provides suggestions on how to interpret changes in bowel movements and when to consult a healthcare provider.
Understanding Normal Bowel Movements
The first step toward achieving “poophoria,” or an enjoyable bathroom experience, is recognizing what your poop typically looks like.
Although there are guidelines for different types of stool—from watery to fluffy to sausage-like—the definition of healthy poop can greatly differ from person to person.
“The only way you even know what is your normal is to look,” Dr. Pasricha advises. “You’ve got to look every day.”
This awareness allows individuals to take note of how their digestive systems respond to various changes, such as stress, travel, or dietary shifts. It’s worth noting that there’s no single kind of poop that definitively indicates colon cancer, and even a healthy appearance doesn’t rule out cancer.
“The disturbing thing about it is that it might look a little different for different people,” she remarks.
That’s why keeping track of variations and communicating with your doctor about noticeable changes that persist for weeks is essential.
“It can be as simple as new diarrhea or increased frequency that just wasn’t my pattern before,” she explains.
Signs to Watch For
While visually inspecting your poop won’t diagnose colon cancer—those tests are best left to a colonoscopy—there are warning signs that merit a quick medical consultation.
Colon cancer can sometimes lead to narrow or thin stools that resemble ribbons or pencils. Though not a definitive indicator of cancer, it’s worth discussing with your doctor, especially if this change continues long-term.
“If there is a particularly large tumor, that might compress the stool and make it thinner on the way out,” Dr. Pasricha notes.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Changes in bowel movements
- Rectal bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- An urgent need to go
- Fatigue
- Anemia
The second crucial sign involves bleeding after a bowel movement, whether in the toilet, on toilet paper, or mixed with stool. This bleeding can vary in color from bright red to black and tarry.
Rectal bleeding is one of the most common early indications of colon cancer. While individuals might feel reluctant to mention it, seeing a doctor promptly is vital to rule out other issues like hemorrhoids or inflammatory bowel disease.
“Bleeding in any form is one big literal red flag,” Dr. Pasricha emphasizes.
Other possible symptoms include abdominal pain, particularly if it feels new or uncomfortable, although it doesn’t completely hinder daily activities.
Sometimes, fatigue or anemia might appear, often manifesting as a lack of energy or a pale complexion. It’s especially important for young women, who might attribute low iron levels to heavy menstrual cycles.
Ultimately, it’s crucial not to shy away from discussing any subtle digestive symptoms with your doctors; waiting too long can result in missed opportunities for early detection, which is critical for effective treatment.
