Cancer often shows no pain in its early stages, but your bathroom habits can reveal important warning signs. Don’t ignore them.

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1. Stool That Doesn’t Flush Easily

A man in our family noticed that no matter how many times he flushed, his stool wouldn't go down—even though the toilet was working fine. Upon closer inspection, he realized his stool looked oily or greasy. He visited a doctor and was diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer—fortunately caught just in time.

According to Cancer Research UK, greasy stool (steatorrhea) that floats and doesn't flush easily may be a sign that your pancreas is not breaking down fat properly, often due to pancreatic cancer. These stools tend to be pale, smelly, and unusually large.

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2. Red-Colored Stool

This could be from food or drinks, or less concerning causes like hemorrhoids or anal fissures from constipation. However, bright red stool may also indicate bleeding in the lower digestive tract, a potential sign of colorectal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, additional warning signs of colorectal cancer include persistent diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. While often associated with older adults, the disease is increasingly affecting younger people who tend to ignore early signs.

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3. Dark Red or Maroon Stool

Dark stool may be due to internal bleeding, especially in the colon or small intestine. Conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease could cause this.

If you notice stool that is darker than usual—especially maroon or reddish-brown—seek medical evaluation promptly.

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4. Black Stool

Black stool may result from iron supplements or certain medications—but it can also indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. When blood is digested, it turns the stool black.

This could be a warning sign of stomach cancer or colorectal cancer, especially if accompanied by fatigue or weight loss.

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5. Burning Sensation While Urinating

Pain or burning during urination could signal a urinary tract infection, but it may also point to kidney cancer or prostate cancer. Poor hygiene can cause infections, but if the symptom persists or worsens, you should see a doctor for a cancer screening.

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6. Foamy or Frothy Urine

This may result from excess protein in urine, often linked to kidney cancer. Cancerous growths can damage the kidney’s filtration system, causing protein to leak into the urine.

While dehydration or diabetes can also cause foamy urine, persistent frothiness should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions.

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7. Brown Urine

Brown urine may be caused by liver or gallbladder cancer. When liver cells are severely damaged, they release excess bilirubin into the bloodstream, which can darken urine color.

If you notice persistent brown-colored urine, especially when accompanied by fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain, consult a specialist immediately.

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8. Blood in Urine

This is one of the most alarming signs and may indicate bladder cancer, kidney cancer, or prostate cancer. The blood may turn urine pink, orange, or even dark red.

If you see blood clots or experience lower back pain, act quickly. Men are especially at higher risk for prostate and bladder cancers, particularly if over age 50.

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Bottom Line:
Don’t ignore unusual signs in your bathroom habits. While many symptoms can have benign causes, early detection is critical in fighting cancer effectively. If you notice any of the above, seek medical advice right away.