Bold claim: Unexplained diarrhoea and new or shifting bowel habits in your 30s can be red flags for colon cancer. Now, here’s what you need to know, grounded in the guidance of a practicing gastroenterologist.
If you’ve noticed blood in your stool or your bowel patterns suddenly changing—think of new constipation phases or episodes of unexplained diarrhoea—it may signal more than ordinary digestive distress. Colon cancer is appearing in younger adults more often, and these early warning indicators are often the body’s first cues. Don’t brush them off as routine issues; understanding what they could mean and why timely medical attention matters can make a real difference.
Dr. Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist who also creates health content, highlights four key signs that people in their 30s should monitor. In an Instagram video released on December 3, he explains why these signs may point to colon cancer and stresses the importance of seeking prompt medical evaluation if you observe any of them.
1) Persistent fatigue
Continual tiredness that drives you to sleep more than usual can be linked to anaemia caused by colon cancer. Dr. Salhab explains that tumors may bleed over time, leading to iron deficiency anaemia, which in turn contributes to worsening fatigue.
2) Night sweats
Night sweats can be associated with colon cancer. The doctor notes that cancer cells can release inflammatory proteins that may trigger fevers at night and excessive sweating.
3) Changes in bowel habits
A common early warning sign is a shift in how your bowels behave. This can manifest as longer periods of constipation or recurrent, uncontrolled diarrhoea. He elaborates that constipation may arise from a blockage caused by a tumor, while diarrhoea can occur when water flows around the cancer, making it difficult to control.
4) Blood in stool
Seeing blood in the stool is a particularly telling sign of colon cancer. If this bleeding persists, it warrants immediate medical attention.
Important note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. The content draws on social-media-based user-generated material and has not been independently verified by Hindustan Times.
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