Doctors Say This 'Embarrassing' Symptom Could Be A Warning Sign Of Colorectal Cancer

A HuffPost wellness article reports that doctors want more awareness of bowel incontinence, or fecal leakage, as a potential but uncommon symptom of colorectal cancer, particularly cancers involving the rectum. Colon cancer is described as the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, with rising rates among younger people.

Physicians quoted explain several mechanisms, including nerve damage, excess mucus production and narrowing of the colon that lets liquid stool leak unexpectedly. They caution this symptom typically appears later, after more common signs like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, meaning its absence is no reassurance on its own.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.