How common is change in bowel habits in rectal cancer?

A tumour in the rectum can affect the passage of stool and create pressure or urgency. Other possible symptoms include rectal bleeding, mucus, pelvic discomfort, or a change in how often bowel movements occur.

Haemorrhoids, infection, diet, medicines, and other bowel conditions can produce similar symptoms. A change in bowel habits does not establish rectal cancer. A new or persistent pattern deserves assessment, particularly when bleeding or unexplained tiredness is also present.

Make an appointment if your bowel pattern remains different from usual or symptoms recur. Keep a brief diary of stool shape and consistency, urgency, bleeding or mucus, pain, and any change in appetite or weight.

Your clinician may ask about family history, examine the abdomen and rectal area, and arrange further tests. Avoid assuming that bleeding is from haemorrhoids without having persistent or recurrent symptoms reviewed.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, black stools, fainting, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, repeated vomiting, marked abdominal swelling, or inability to pass stool or gas. These symptoms may indicate significant bleeding or obstruction.

Ask what may be causing the change, whether you need examination or bowel tests, and how soon results will be available. Ask which symptoms should prompt an urgent call while you are waiting.