Bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer, and your bathroom habits can offer clues. The Bristol Stool Chart says “healthy” stools are sausage-shaped (smooth or cracked). A quick look before you flush can be useful.
Diet, constipation, IBS or diverticulitis can change stool shape now and then. But frequently thin, pencil- or ribbon-like stools may signal a narrowing/obstruction in the bowel and warrant attention.
Fight Colorectal Cancer notes that occasional narrow stools aren’t usually a concern, but if they persist for more than a week, seek medical advice. The Mayo Clinic adds that persistent pencil-thin stools can indicate colon narrowing/blockage (sometimes cancer), though IBS can also alter size.
See your GP or call NHS 111 if you’re unsure or notice changes. Urgent red flags include: blood in stool, persistent bleeding from the bottom, abdominal pain or bloating, unintentional weight loss, a lump in the abdomen, needing to poo more often (or urgency after going), and extreme tiredness.
