Gastroenterologist Wendy LeBrett has explained how observing changes in stool can help identify potential health issues, including early symptoms of bowel cancer.
Speaking in an interview with Scientific American, the medical specialist recommended using the Bristol Stool Form Scale to evaluate digestive condition and track daily changes in gut function.
The diagnostic scale categorises stool into seven distinct types. Types one and two typically signal constipation, while types six and seven indicate diarrhea. Types three, four, and five are considered normal. LeBrett highlighted type four as the ideal standard, describing it as smooth and sausage-like in shape.
The Bristol Stool Form Scale is a widely recognized medical tool developed to help healthcare professionals and patients evaluate bowel movements without complex laboratory testing. In gastroenterology, the branch of medicine dealing with digestive system disorders, visual assessment of bowel output remains a fundamental step in diagnosing underlying functional or structural health problems.
Warning signs and symptoms
However, LeBrett emphasized that relying solely on the seven-point scale does not provide a complete clinical picture. The scale omits critical factors such as stool color, defecation frequency, and whether a person needs to strain significantly during bowel movements. Consequently, monitoring personal baselines and unexpected changes is vital.
The doctor identified blood in the stool as a particularly alarming symptom that requires prompt medical attention, even if present only in minute amounts or on toilet paper. She advised against automatically assuming such bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids. LeBrett further noted that individuals should consult a physician if they experience persistent constipation, prolonged diarrhea, abdominal pain, discomfort, or sudden shifts in their normal bowel routine.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, often develops slowly over time and can be managed far more effectively when detected in its earliest stages. Early warning signs can be subtle, making regular self-observation and timely medical consultation crucial for patients experiencing unexplained digestive changes.
Dietary recommendations for constipation
In related dietary advice, nutritionists Marcy Vasquez and Monica Amburn previously recommended consuming kiwi fruit to relieve constipation. The dietitians stated that kiwis are more effective at supporting healthy digestion than apples or standard fiber supplements.
Kiwi fruit is rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, as well as natural enzymes that facilitate smooth movement through the gastrointestinal tract. Adjusting dietary habits to include digestive-friendly fruits is often a recommended first step in managing mild constipation before resorting to laxatives or pharmacological treatments.
