How often do you need a toilet? Frequent stools may be an early sign of cancer
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the UK. As with all forms of cancer, the prognosis is better the earlier it is found. However, this means that you need to become familiar with your bowel habits so that you can quickly notice any unusual changes. The frequency of your trips to the toilet may contain clues.
Poop and bums are a squeamish topic that leaves many Britons confused about what healthy stools should look like.
In fact, Bupa’s study found that nearly half of British adults aren’t sure what makes stool healthy, and nearly one in four admit to never checking the toilet.
However, watching your bowel movements can mean the difference between finding bowel cancer and letting it slip out of sight.
One of the warning signs of a deadly disease may be hidden in how many times you visit the toilet.
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Gut expert Gemma Stewart of Gut Wealth said: “All bodies are different. Thus, for the regularity of the chair, the “norm” is considered from three times a day to three times a week.
“If you eat significantly more than usual within three weeks, this could be one of the early signs of bowel cancer.
“Knowing the bowel allows you to monitor changes in color, consistency, and frequency.”
In addition to bowel frequency, you should also keep track of your actual stool.
The NHS explains that bowel cancer often causes your stool to become more liquid.
Constipation can also be a warning sign, but is less common with serious causes such as bowel cancer.
Another key symptom that can appear in the toilet or on toilet paper is blood.
According to a study published in the Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, blood in the stool is considered one of the most common signs of bowel cancer, affecting about 89 percent of patients.
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After studying 183 participants, the research team set out to study the main signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer and found rectal bleeding to be at the top of the list.
Another sign that can strike between the four walls of a bathroom is tenesmus.
Tenesmus describes the feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, even if you don’t, because it’s already empty.
Stewart explained that all these signs signal that you should see a general practitioner.
The expert said: “There’s a massive poop taboo in the UK – we don’t like to talk about poop, toilets or bellies and bums – but there’s nothing to be ashamed of here.”
Although all of these warning signs are on the list of telltale signs of bowel cancer, they can also be caused by other conditions.
Stewart said: “Other health conditions that can present with changes in stool frequency include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis.
“If you are experiencing any [red flag] symptoms, talk to your doctor, and don’t be shy.”
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