5. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits
Major changes in bodily functions can indicate colon cancer, prostate cancer, or bladder cancer. Signs to watch include persistent constipation or diarrhea, black or red blood in the stool, black tarry stools, more frequent urination, and blood in the urine.
Persistent urinary symptoms like frequent urination or discomfort are usually linked to infections, but may actually indicate bladder or prostate cancer. The key word is “persistent.” A few days of digestive upset after a rich meal is one thing. Weeks of altered bowel habits, stool that has changed in shape or consistency, or recurring pain during urination are a different matter entirely.