Pencil-thin stools may signal colon cancer, doctors say

Doctors are highlighting pencil-thin stools as a potentially overlooked sign of colon cancer, especially as rates rise in younger individuals. This symptom can occur when tumors narrow the colon. While not the most common sign, persistent changes in stool consistency warrant medical attention. Other common symptoms include blood in stool and abdominal pain. Early detection through screening or reporting symptoms is crucial for treatability.