Everyone has stomach issues now and then. Sometimes something you eat just doesn’t sit right, or you catch a stomach bug that makes you feel temporarily ill. But ongoing digestive problems are not normal and should be checked out. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, The Baton Rouge Clinic have put together a list of digestive symptoms you should not ignore so you can stay one step ahead in your health and wellness.
Digestive Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
There are several key digestive symptoms you should never ignore. If any of the following last more than a few weeks, do not let a busy schedule or fear keep you from seeing your primary care provider.
Changes in Bowel Habits to Watch For
This is not just a one-off “bad stomach day.” Doctors look for changes that last more than a few days.
- Consistency: Alternating between diarrhea and constipation.
- Stool shape: A common but often overlooked sign is narrow or ribbon-like stool. This can happen when something narrows the path stool must pass through.
Blood in the Stool: What It May Mean
Blood is not always bright red, and its appearance can offer clues about where it may be coming from.
- Bright red: Often suggests bleeding near the end of the colon or rectum.
- Dark or tar-like: May indicate blood that has been digested because it started higher in the colon.
- Hidden blood: Sometimes blood is microscopic. You will not see it, but it can show up on a lab test.
Ongoing Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Unlike the sharp, short-lived pain of normal gas, this discomfort is often persistent and dull.
- It may feel like frequent gas pain, bloating, or a sense of fullness.
- If something causes a partial blockage, you may experience intense cramping that comes and goes.
Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue
Some symptoms affect the whole body rather than just the gut.
- Fatigue: This is often linked to anemia. Slow blood loss over time can reduce iron levels and leave you feeling exhausted even after enough sleep.
- Weight loss: Illness can use up more of the body’s energy and may speed up metabolism, leading to weight loss without trying.
Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Movements
Also known as tenesmus, this is the sensation that you still need to have a bowel movement even after going. In some cases, a problem in the rectum can create the feeling that stool is present when it is not.
Why Colorectal Cancer Is Rising in Younger Adults
Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting adults under 50, changing the long-held belief that it’s only a disease of older age. According to the CDC, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women in that age group. While rates are dropping in older adults because of screening, they are rising by about 2 to 3 percent each year in people under 50.
Researchers are still studying why this increase is happening. What makes it more dangerous is that early symptoms, such as mild changes in bowel habits, ongoing bloating, or fatigue, can be subtle and easy to dismiss. This delay in seeking care is especially common among men, who statistically wait longer to talk with a doctor.
Public conversations sparked by well-known figures like James Van Der Beek, who recently died from colon cancer at age 48, have helped bring attention to this issue. By sharing their stories, they remind us that cancer does not wait for retirement age and that listening to your body matters at every stage of life.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Can Save Lives
Colorectal cancer is highly treatable and often curable when found early. That is why screening is such an important part of preventive care. A colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools available. It can find cancer early, when it is easiest to treat, and it can even prevent cancer by allowing doctors to remove polyps before they become cancerous.
Many adults should begin regular screening at age 45. You may need to start earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors. The most important thing to remember is not to wait for symptoms, because early-stage cancer often causes none at all. Talk with your primary care provider about when you should be screened.
How Primary Care Helps With Digestive Symptoms
Primary care providers, including those at The Baton Rouge Clinic and Affinity Health Group, are often the first people patients speak with about digestive concerns. They listen carefully to symptoms and help decide the next best step. This may mean monitoring changes over time, reviewing family history, or coordinating referrals for further testing such as a colonoscopy. They also play a key role in long-term preventive care.
Get Help for Digestive Symptoms at The Baton Rouge Clinic
Taking charge of your health starts with a simple conversation. Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider at The Baton Rouge Clinic today. Whether you want to talk about digestive symptoms that have not gone away or you are ready to discuss colorectal cancer screening, their providers are here to guide you.
Together, you can create a preventive care plan that reflects your family history and lifestyle. Paying attention to your gut could help protect your future health. Starting with primary care at The Baton Rouge Clinic is a smart first step. Do not wait. Request an appointment online today.