Your colon works quietly to keep you healthy, but when something’s wrong, it can whisper warnings that are easy to miss. Colon cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths, often starts silently, with symptoms mistaken for everyday woes. Thanks to a viral TikTok by Radwah Oda (@radwah.oda), awareness is spiking about the subtle signs that could save lives. Here are the five early red flags doctors want you to watch for—and why you should act fast.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor about any health concerns.
A TikToker’s Wake-Up Call
Radwah Oda, a young colon cancer survivor, shared her journey on TikTok, racking up millions of views. Diagnosed after dismissing subtle symptoms, she urged, “If you have any of these symptoms, don’t panic—but see a doctor. Advocate for yourself.” Her story highlights a grim reality: colon cancer rates are rising in people under 50, with 20% of new U.S. cases in 2024 occurring in those under 55, per the American Cancer Society. Early detection is key, as stage 1 colon cancer has a 90% five-year survival rate, compared to just 14% for stage 4.
1. Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits
If your bathroom routine suddenly shifts—think constipation or diarrhea lasting more than a few days—it could signal trouble. A tumor in the colon can block or irritate the bowel, disrupting its normal function. “I ignored weeks of diarrhea thinking it was just stress,” Radwah shared. The Mayo Clinic notes that alternating constipation and diarrhea, or stools that look narrower than usual, are red flags. If these persist beyond two weeks, see a gastroenterologist for tests like a colonoscopy.
2. Abdominal Bloating or Discomfort
That bloated, “full” feeling isn’t always from last night’s tacos. Persistent bloating, especially with discomfort or a visibly swollen belly, could point to a tumor causing gas buildup or blockages. “It felt like my stomach was stretched to its limit,” one patient told Healthline. The Cleveland Clinic warns that frequent bloating unresponsive to diet changes warrants a checkup, as it may indicate colon cancer or other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
3. Increased Bowel Urgency
Feeling like you have to go—now—and often with little result? A sudden increase in bathroom trips, especially with urgent or incomplete bowel movements, could stem from a tumor disrupting the colon’s rhythm. “I’d rush to the bathroom but barely pass anything,” Radwah recalled. The National Cancer Institute links this to partial obstructions. If urgency or stool consistency changes last more than a week, consult a doctor to rule out serious issues.
4. Pain in the Lower Abdomen
Unexplained pain, particularly on the lower left side, is a symptom you can’t ignore. Radwah mistook her soreness—felt just below her right breast—for a tight bra, enduring it for months. In reality, a colon tumor can block stool flow, causing sharp or cramping pain, often on the left side where the colon descends. The American Cancer Society says persistent abdominal pain, especially with bowel changes, demands a CT scan or colonoscopy to investigate.
5. Blood in Stool or Unexplained Anemia
Bright red or dark, tarry blood in your stool is a major warning sign. It may result from a tumor bleeding in the colon or rectum. Even without visible blood, unexplained fatigue, paleness, or shortness of breath could signal anemia from slow internal bleeding. “I was exhausted all the time but didn’t connect it to my colon,” a survivor told WebMD. The CDC recommends immediate medical evaluation for these symptoms, as they can indicate advanced disease.
Why It’s Urgent
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., with 153,020 new cases and 52,550 deaths in 2023, per Cancer.gov. It’s increasingly hitting younger adults, with lifestyle factors like processed diets, obesity, and sedentary habits driving the rise. Screening, typically recommended at age 45, can catch precancerous polyps, but only 59% of eligible Americans are up-to-date, per CDC data. Radwah’s viral plea echoes doctors’ advice: “Trust your body. Don’t wait.”
What to Do
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See a Doctor: Persistent symptoms (lasting over two weeks) need evaluation. Ask for a fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, or imaging.
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Know Your Risk: Family history, inflammatory bowel disease, or smoking increases risk. Black Americans face a 20% higher incidence rate, per American Cancer Society.
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Screen Early: If symptoms appear before age 45, push for testing. Radwah’s diagnosis came after she demanded a colonoscopy.
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Live Healthier: A diet rich in fiber (fruits, veggies, whole grains), regular exercise, and limited red meat can lower risk.
Radwah’s story, viewed by 2.8 million on TikTok, is a rallying cry: don’t dismiss your body’s signals. “I almost waited too long,” she said. If something feels off, make that doctor’s appointment—it could be the move that saves your life.
