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Here are eight warning signs you should know.
## 1\. Blood in Your Stool
One of the most important symptoms to take seriously is blood in or on your stool.
The blood may appear bright red, or it may make the stool look unusually dark. The appearance can vary depending on where bleeding occurs in the digestive tract.
Blood in the stool does **not** automatically mean colon cancer. Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions can also cause rectal bleeding.
The important point is not to automatically assume that visible blood is harmless.
If you repeatedly notice blood when using the bathroom, particularly if you cannot explain it, contact a healthcare professional. The cause needs to be determined rather than guessed.
The National Cancer Institute lists blood in the stool among the possible signs of colon cancer. Institut National du Cancer
## 2\. A Persistent Change in Bowel Habits
Everyone’s bowel habits are different, and occasional changes are normal.
