Another symptom that deserves attention is blood in the stool. Blood may appear bright red, dark red, or even cause stools to look black and tar-like. In some cases, bleeding is not visible to the naked eye but may still lead to iron-deficiency anemia over time. Although blood in the stool can result from less serious conditions such as hemorrhoids, it is always worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Unexplained abdominal discomfort is another possible warning sign. Individuals may experience persistent cramps, bloating, gas, or abdominal pain that does not seem related to specific foods or digestive illnesses. Some people describe a feeling that their bowel never fully empties after using the restroom. These symptoms can occur when a growth partially blocks the colon.
