Noticing something unusual during a visit to the bathroom is usually straightforward, but figuring out if it’s cause for concern is not always as simple. A medical professional has pointed out six red flags related to colon health that she believes should never be ignored. According to Cancer Research UK, around 44,100 people in the UK receive a diagnosis of bowel or rectal cancer each year, making it the fourth most common cancer in the country.

While the majority of cases occur in older adults, Macmillan Cancer Support reports an increase in diagnoses among those under 50. Dr. Sana Sadoxai, who has amassed over 41,000 followers on TikTok by offering medical advice, has shared six critical signs of colon cancer that demand attention.

In her TikTok post, she emphasized: “Here are 6 symptoms you might ignore – but shouldn’t.”

She explained that although these symptoms don’t always mean cancer, they sometimes do, and early detection can be life-saving.

1. Constipation or diarrhoea that just doesn’t feel right
2. Pencil-thin stools that don’t go back to normal
3. Unexplained weight loss (even if you didn’t mind)
4. Ongoing fatigue despite good sleep
5. Blood in the toilet or on the paper
6. A constant feeling like your bowels didn’t fully empty

Users on TikTok engaged with her message, sharing personal experiences. One user commented: “I’ve been to my doctor eight times with a lot of those symptoms and all they do is send me home with omeprazole.”

TikTok users responded with their own accounts in the comments section. One wrote: “I’ve been to my doctor eight times with a lot of those symptoms and all they do is send me home with omeprazole.”

Another commented: “Bloating and pain when eating foods was my symptoms nothing else.”

A third person commented: “You should always get checked when you have these symptoms just to be safe. But just so people don’t panic, I had these symptoms minus the weight loss. Did a full check-up, blood sample, stool sample, and colonoscopy. Turned out to just be some internal haemorrhoids. So in short: don’t panic, but get it checked out.”

What causes colon cancer?

According to Macmillan, the causes of colon cancer remain unknown, though certain risk factors can heighten the chances of developing the disease, reports the Mirror. These include:

• Age: Around four in 10 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed in the UK are seen in people aged 75 and older.
• Diet: Eating a lot of red and processed meat can increase the risk of bowel cancer, as well as not eating enough fibre.
• Weight: Being overweight can increase the risk of bowel cancer, especially in men.
• Low physical activity: People who spend lots of time sitting or being physically inactive are at increased risk.
• Drinking alcohol. Around six per cent of cases in the UK are linked to alcohol consumption.
• Smoking.
• Family history: While having one family member who developed colon cancer does not increase a person’s risk, if several close family members have had the disease, risk may be higher.
• Inflammatory bowel conditions: These include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. People with these conditions may be offered regular bowel screening. This does not include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is not an inflammatory bowel condition.
• Type 2 diabetes: People with this condition are at a greater risk of bowel cancer.

How is colon cancer diagnosed?

Anyone worried they might be experiencing symptoms of colon cancer should consult their GP. The doctor will examine the abdominal area to check for any lumps or swelling.

Your GP may subsequently refer you to a specialist consultant. Hospital tests can include a colonoscopy, biopsy, blood tests, and other procedures.

Everyone aged 50 to 74 is also offered bowel screening every two years, apart from in Northern Ireland, where the screening programme starts at 60. This involves a kit used to collect a stool sample, which arrives automatically through the post.

Colon cancer is also occasionally diagnosed in hospital after someone has been admitted for reasons such as a bowel obstruction.