This symptom is often dismissed, which is why it’s so important to recognize.
Withmore and moreyoung peoplebeing diagnosedwith colorectal cancer, its natural to be nervous about the disease.
Rates ofcolorectal cancerin people under 50 have beenincreasingsince the 1990s, according toDr.
The exact reason why rates are increasing is unknown.
Researchers are investigating what could be happening.
In the meantime, its important that you stay alert about colorectal cancer even if youre young.
Part of this is knowing the warning signs.
And theres one surprising symptom in particular thats beengaining attentiononsocial media: pencil-thin poop.
She thought that she had irritable bowel syndrome, so she didnt go to the doctor at first.
When she finally did, she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.
Whats most concerning is when thin stools are a new change thats persistent, saidDr.
Pencil-thin poop is one of the less common signs of colorectal cancer.
When it exists, it is highly concerning, Cecchini said.
Its just not one of the more common symptoms of the disease.
The more widespread signs are blood in the stool and abdominal pain.
Unintentional weight loss is another sign.
And some cases of colorectal cancer have no symptoms at all.
If you notice any symptoms, you should tell your doctor.
People certainly have hemorrhoids and cancer, or it can be something else completely.
you’re able to undergo screening with colonoscopy or stool-based tests, Cecchini said.
Chat with your doctor to determine the best screening for you.
For most people, screenings start at 45.
But while you should take all of this seriously, you also shouldnt panic.
All of these symptoms dont necessarily mean … you have colon cancer, said Dueker.
Instead, they could mean that a colonoscopy is necessary to determine what is going on.
We still cure the majority of people with this cancer every year.This article originally appeared onHuffPost.
