4. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits
The distressed posture of the woman in the image speaks volumes about intestinal discomfort. A significant, lasting change in your normal bathroom routine is a major red flag.
- Constipation and Diarrhea: A new pattern of constipation that alternates with diarrhea, or stools that are narrower than normal (pencil-thin stools), can be a sign of a partial blockage in the colon due to a tumor.
- Persistent Bladder Issues: Feeling the urge to urinate constantly, experiencing pain when urinating, or having trouble starting the stream can be related to bladder cancer, or in men, prostate cancer. A sudden shift from a normal routine to chronic urgency or frequency needs medical evaluation.
