When TikToker Radwah Oda shared on social media that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer, her main intention was to prevent others from ignoring the same warning signs that she had ignored. Her message, which showed how simple it is to ignore symptoms that could indicate something life-threatening, hit a chord with thousands of people.
“If you have any of these symptoms, please don’t panic, but do see a doctor. Advocate for yourself,” she emphasized in her viral video. Though colon cancer is typically associated with older adults, it can affect people of any age. What makes this disease particularly dangerous is how quietly it can progress before causing noticeable symptoms. By the time clear signs appear, the cancer may have already advanced. Let’s explore five warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored and symptoms that Radwah and many medical professionals want you to know about.
1. Changes in Stool Shape
Most people rarely pay attention to the shape of their stool, but changes here can mean something. Consistently thin or pencil-like stools might show a problem that deserves medical attention. Why does this happen? When a tumor or other obstruction begins to block the colon, it can restrict the normal passage of waste. This narrowing creates thinner stools that sometimes resemble a pencil in width. Bowel movements can be temporarily affected for several reasons, so the occasional thin stool is not always a reason for worry. However, you should speak with your healthcare physician if this change continues for a few weeks.