Does Narrow Stool Always Mean Colon Cancer?

As the fourth most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, colon cancer is certainly a top concern for patients and their physicians — especially since we’ve seen an increase in those under 50 being diagnosed.

In fact, this trend prompted the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to change its colon cancer screening guidelines in 2021, when the recommended age for your first colonoscopy was lowered from 50 to 45.

A colonoscopy is a brief procedure that allows a surgeon or gastroenterologist to view your entire colon and look for polyps, growths that are often precancerous. If they find any, they can remove them then and there for testing. 

At Q&S Surgical in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia, Dr. Luis Quinones offers surgical treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer. He’s deeply invested in the well-being of his patients and advocates for colonoscopies beginning at age 45. 

Dr. Quinones also educates patients about colon cancer risk factors and symptoms, one of which is noticeably narrower stools. But does this necessarily indicate colon cancer across the board? In this blog, we address this, as well as other common symptoms of the disease.

Risk factors and symptoms

You should be aware of risk factors for colon cancer, both those that are nonmodifiable as well as modifiable ones, such as lifestyle factors. 

Nonmodifiable risk factors include age, living with inflammatory bowel disease, having a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, and certain genetic factors, like Lynch Syndrome. You’re also at higher risk if you’re African American.

The good news is it’s possible to combat your colon cancer risk by adopting certain lifestyle factors and eschewing others:

• Eating a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, and legumes
• Avoiding red meat and highly processed meats, like hot dogs and deli meats
• Consuming a diet that’s high in fiber
• Keeping within a normal weight range
• Exercising daily as opposed to a sedentary lifestyle
• Quitting or never starting to use tobacco
• Moderating your alcohol consumption or not drinking at all

In terms of symptoms, colon cancer can be sneaky. It’s typical for people not to experience any symptoms at all initially, which is why getting a colonoscopy is so critical. When symptoms do appear, you may notice:

• Rectal bleeding
• Gastrointestinal changes, like constipation or diarrhea
• Not feeling like you’re quite done after having a bowel movement
• Feeling gassy
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Visual stool changes, like color and consistency
• Fatigue
• Unexpected weight loss
• Narrower stools than normal

If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with Dr. Quinones right away.

What about narrow stools and colon cancer?

Even though we noted that narrow stools can indicate colon cancer, they can also mean something else. Narrow stools can also be a symptom of:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Diverticular disease, when pouches that develop on your intestinal wall are inflamed
• Nothing — it’s normal to notice a narrow stool occasionally with no condition present

It may be cause for concern if you observe a pattern of narrow stools, which could indicate colon cancer. You should call our office if you notice that your stools are very narrow, say no wider than a pencil.

Colonoscopy: Quick, easy, conclusive

Many people dread the procedure, which requires you to drink a solution over a period of hours that cleans out your colon so your surgeon can see clearly when they perform your procedure. 

A colonoscopy is highly tolerable. During the procedure, a gastroenterologist gently inserts a thin tube with a tiny light and camera on the end (a colonoscope) into your rectum, which allows him to see your entire colon and look for polyps. You’re mildly sedated during your colonoscopy, so you don’t feel any discomfort. 

If any polyps are found, these are removed and sent for testing. The colonoscopy is the gold standard screening for colon cancer because it can detect the disease at its earliest stages, when it’s highly treatable. 

Dr. Quinones also performs highly sophisticated, robotic assisted, minimally invasive laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. This type of procedure requires only a few small abdominal incisions, unlike traditional open surgery. Minimally invasive procedures are associated with faster healing and recovery, as well as a reduced rate of post-surgical infection, pain, bleeding, and scarring.

If you notice consistently narrower stool or other colon cancer symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Quinones today. You can call our office or click online to book.