proper nutrition deserves attention.
In some cases, colon cancer may contribute to fatigue through slow internal bleeding, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia, or by increasing the body’s overall energy demands.
If exhaustion persists for several weeks without an obvious explanation, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
2. Lasting Changes in Bowel Habits
Everyone experiences occasional digestive changes, but symptoms that continue for several weeks shouldn’t be ignored.
Watch for:
-
- Frequent diarrhea or constipation
- Alternating between diarrhea and constipation
- Narrow or pencil-thin stools
- A feeling that bowel movements are incomplete
- Changes in stool consistency or frequency
While these symptoms often have non-cancerous causes, persistent changes should be medically evaluated.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine may indicate that your body is dealing with an underlying health condition.
Possible reasons include:
- Reduced appetite
- Changes in metabolism
- Poor nutrient absorption
- Increased energy use by disease processes
Unintentional weight loss is always worth mentioning during a medical visit.
