Symptom guide · Oncology
Change in Bowel Habits
What change in bowel habits can point to, how urgent it is, and who assesses it in the UAE.
Also known as new constipation or diarrhoea, narrow stools
This needs a prompt medical assessment
Change in bowel habits has many causes and most of them are not cancer — but it is on the list of features that doctors investigate quickly rather than watch. Getting it checked early is what makes the difference.
Go now if any of these apply
- A new lump, or a lump that is growing, hard, or fixed in place
- A symptom that has persisted for more than three weeks without improving
- Unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or persistent fatigue
- Bleeding that is unexplained — in stool, urine, when coughing, or after the menopause
- A mole or skin lesion that is changing in size, shape, colour, or is bleeding
Book a doctor's appointment within the next few days and say how long the symptom has lasted. Ask specifically whether an urgent referral or a scan is warranted.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Also known as
- new constipation or diarrhoea, narrow stools
- Body region
- Bowel
- Care area
- Oncology
- Conditions linked
- 3
Possible causes
Conditions that can cause change in bowel habits
Listed alphabetically. This list is not ranked by likelihood.
- Bowel CancerVery common among people with bowel cancer.
- Immunotherapy Side EffectsCommon among people with immunotherapy side effects.
- Rectal CancerVery common among people with rectal cancer.
These figures describe how often each condition causes this symptom — not how likely it is that this symptom is caused by that condition. Most symptoms have a common, harmless explanation.
Treatment by cause
How the causes of change in bowel habits are treated
Treatment follows the diagnosis, not the symptom. Each row is a linked condition and a treatment used for it.
| If the cause is | Treatment used | Line |
|---|---|---|
| Bowel Cancer | Colonoscopy | First line |
| Bowel Cancer | Bowel Resection | First line |
| Bowel Cancer | Chemotherapy | First line |
| Rectal Cancer | Rectal Cancer Surgery | First line |
| Rectal Cancer | Radiotherapy | First line |
| Rectal Cancer | Chemotherapy Before Surgery | First line |
| Bowel Cancer | Radiotherapy | Second line |
| Bowel Cancer | Targeted Therapy | Second line |
| Bowel Cancer | Stoma Surgery | Second line |
| Bowel Cancer | Genomic Tumour Profiling | Second line |
| Bowel Cancer | Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment | Second line |
| Rectal Cancer | Stoma Surgery | Second line |
| Bowel Cancer | Immunotherapy | Third line |
| Bowel Cancer | Liver Resection | Third line |
Find care
Who assesses this in the UAE
These are the specialties that treat the conditions linked to this symptom. Every listed doctor holds a UAE licence.
Questions people ask
Can change in bowel habits be a sign of bowel cancer?
Yes. Change in bowel habits: very common among people with bowel cancer. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Can change in bowel habits be a sign of rectal cancer?
Yes. Change in bowel habits: very common among people with rectal cancer. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Can change in bowel habits be a sign of immunotherapy side effects?
Yes. Change in bowel habits: common among people with immunotherapy side effects. It does not work the same way in reverse — for most people with this symptom the cause turns out to be something else, and more common — so it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Keep reading
More about change in bowel habits
Cancer care in the UAE
Hospitals & Medical Centers in Abu Dhabi
Most UAE cancer care is delivered inside hospital services rather than by standalone oncology clinics, so these are licensed hospitals & medical centers listed in Abu Dhabi. Confirm the specific cancer service exists before you travel, and know that asking for a second opinion is routine.
Ahalia Hospital Musaffah Building - Musaffah - Musaffah Industrial - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +26 more
Al Ruwais Industrial City - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +30 more
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +30 more
Second opinions are routine in cancer care and asking for one does not affect your treatment. How to arrange a second opinion in the UAE.
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.