American gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Salhab told HuffPost that colon cancer can manifest through seemingly minor and often overlooked symptoms.
Among the possible warning signs are:
changes in digestion,
night sweats,
chronic fatigue,
loss of appetite.
Frequent constipation, diarrhea, or alternating episodes of both without an obvious cause should also raise concern.
Another potential symptom is intense night sweating.
“You should be especially cautious if you wake up literally soaked in sweat,” the doctor noted.
Dr. Salhab emphasized that even the presence of just one of these symptoms warrants medical evaluation—particularly for individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors.
According to him, the incidence of colon cancer among younger people continues to rise. One of the most alarming signs is even a small amount of blood in the stool. Although this symptom can be associated with hemorrhoids or anal fissures, it is also frequently linked to malignant tumors.
The doctor strongly advises seeking medical attention for any persistent change in bowel habits. For example, pencil-thin stools may indicate a narrowing of the intestinal lumen and should not be ignored.
