How Your Bowel Movements Reveal Clues About Colon Cancer

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) infographic for education

I used to think only major symptoms spelled trouble, but the more I researched poop and colon cancer, the more I realized subtle changes in your stool can be an early warning. Blood in your stool, shifts in consistency, or even just going to the bathroom more (or less) often can sometimes point to a serious issue like colon cancer. Of course, these signs aren’t always a cause for panic, because other digestive disorders share similar symptoms. Still, knowing what to look for can help you decide when it’s time to speak with a healthcare professional.

Colon Cancer and Poop: Early Indicators

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One of the first hints that something might be off is a change in your usual bathroom routine. Some people notice thinner stools, different colors, or a sudden feeling that they’re just not fully emptying their bowel. Although minor, these signals can be important:

  • Narrow “pencil” stools: This can happen when a growing tumor narrows the intestinal passage.
  • Pain with defecation (dyschezia): Often tied to rectal cancer.
  • Unable to empty the bowel (tenesmus): A hallmark of early-stage rectal cancer.
  • Rectal bleeding: Especially common with tumors in the lower bowel.
  • Abdominal pain: Triggered when inflammation irritates pain receptors.
  • Fatigue: Often arises from anemia caused by internal blood loss.

Poop Changes in Regional Colon Cancer

Source: Freepik

By stage three, colon cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. At this point, changes in bowel movements can get more pronounced as the tumor digs deeper into intestinal tissues:

  • Constipation: Partial blockages can slow things down.
  • Diarrhea: Fluids can bypass a partial blockage, leading to loose stools.
  • Alternating constipation and diarrhea: This pattern frequently signals something more serious.
  • Blood in stool (hematochezia): Ranges from bright red to darker hues, depending on tumor location.
  • Tenesmus: Worsens as the tumor and inflammation increase.
  • Abdominal bloating and cramps: Gas build-up can’t pass easily if the bowel’s narrowed.
  • Iron deficiency anemia symptoms: Nearly half of individuals with colon cancer develop anemia.

Scar tissue and strictures can develop as the tumor grows, sometimes leading to partial or full blockages. Even if you don’t always see bleeding in your stool, it can still be happening internally.

Poop Changes in Advanced Colon Cancer

Souce: Freepik

Stage four colon cancer typically means the disease has spread to distant organs. Obstruction and bleeding often escalate, making signs more apparent. If the tumor is on the right side of the colon, your stool might become dark and sticky (melena), since blood mixes with oxygen and hemoglobin during its longer journey through the intestines.

  • Nausea and vomiting: Common once the blockage is severe.
  • Unexplained weight loss: Chronic inflammation can suppress appetite and lead to muscle loss.

At this stage, the bowel wall may weaken, sometimes causing perforations. Additional symptoms can appear if cancer reaches the liver, lungs, or bones. Surprisingly, some people with advanced colon cancer don’t experience many bowel-related symptoms if there’s no blockage or bleeding.

Key Takeaways

I’ve found it crucial to learn about poop and colon cancer because seemingly small changes in your bathroom habits might be an early alarm. Blood in the stool, narrower poop, diarrhea, or more frequent trips can all signal trouble, especially if they persist. But remember, other gastrointestinal problems can mimic these changes, so don’t jump to conclusions. If you see something out of the ordinary, talk to a healthcare provider. When caught early, colon cancer is far more manageable—and sometimes, even highly treatable.

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Selena Gomez removes a video showing her emotional response to Donald Trump’s latest executive orders

“Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people,” singer/actress Selena Gomez posted on the social media after deleting a video of herself in which she got emotional over President Trump’s latest executive oders.

Selena Gomez, who is of Mexican heritage, reacted to Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

In one of the videos she has since deleted, the 32-year-old star said, “I just want to say that I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked.

“The children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry I wish I could do something but I can’t.

“I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”

Selena Gomez/Instagram

As per NBC News, Trump ordered his administration to conduct major immigration raids in three US cities per week. This is an attempt to fulfill his promise of mass deportations and tightening border security.

With the executive order he signed, Trump tends to deport millions of people who are in the country illegally.

He declared illegal immigration at the US-Mexico border a national emergency. Trump planned to send troops to help immigration agents and restrict refugees and asylum.

Tom Homan, former US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director who was appointed the ‘border czar’ by the president’s administration, is just one of the people who supported Trump’s stance on immigration.

“If you’re in the country illegally, you’re on the table, because it’s not OK to, you know, violate the laws of this country. You got to remember, every time you enter this country illegally, you violated a crime under Title Eight, the United States Code 1325, it’s a crime,” he said.

Fox host Sean Hannity interviewed Hofman and asked him about his thoughts on Gomez’s video. “I gotta ask your reaction to Selena Gomez. I didn’t see any postings of tears for all the women and American citizens murdered, all the people that were raped including children, all the other victims of violent crime…” He added: “I didn’t see any tears on any of those issues. What was that all about?”

Hofman replied that it was the “best monologue I’ve heard you do in years.”

The border czar highlighted that illegal immigrants entering the States has led to the fentanyl crisis and child s** trafficking.

Selena Gomez, who criticized Trump’s decision to sign the executive order regarding immigration, has spoken of her Mexican heritage in the past.

In a piece for Time from 2019, she wrote, “In the 1970s, my aunt crossed the border from Mexico to the United States hidden in the back of a truck.

“My grandparents followed, and my father was born in Texas soon after. In 1992, I was born a U.S. citizen thanks to their bravery and sacrifice.”

Gomez is a producer of the Netflix docuseries Living Undocumented.

It it about the lives of families who fear deportation every single day.

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Ivanka Trump faces backlash for Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress

January 20, 2025, marked the beginning of Trump’s second stint as President of the United States. He held office from 2017 to 2021 during his first presidential term.

As expected, all of his children were present at the inauguration, which was watched by millions of people not only from the States but also beyond.

Among the rest, people commented on Melania Trump’s choice of outfit, especially her hat, and were interested to learn what Barron Trump told Joe Biden and Kamala Harris when he approached to shake hands with them.

Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, wasn’t spared from comments about her looks either. Her choice of dress, inspired by the one worn by iconic actress Audrey Hepburn, caused a stir on the social media, with people having divided opinions.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

For the Liberty Ball on Inauguration Day, Ivanka opted for a recreated version of the gown that Audrey Hepburn donned in the 1954 film Sabrina.

The original dress was designed by Hubert de Givenchy. Ivanka’s replica, which featured black floral embroidery and a brief train, was styled by the prestigious French label Givenchy.

The business mogul-turned-president’s daughter donned elbow-length black opera gloves, stiletto heels, a diamond choker, and a chignon. So, it’s safe to say that she was eager to mirror Hepburn’s original look, and she pulled it off flawlessly.

REUTERS/Carlos Barria

However, as much as some loved the way she looked, there were those who criticized Ivanka Trump for her outfit.

The longer I look at the details, the more laughable this becomes,” someone commented.

“The texture and the embroidery on Ivanka’s version look cartoonish, and it lacks the same finesse. Hepburn is incomparable,” another added.

“Audrey would have despised Ivanka and her family,” someone else wrote. 

Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, broke his silence over Ivanka’s looks and said it was ‘no wonder’ the First Daughter chose to pay tribute to the late actress due to their long-standing family ties.

“It is no wonder that growing up in a family which knew our mother as a household name she chose to draw inspiration from her, to seek the ultimate elegance and class reference, for an occasion such as this one – the inauguration and the 32nd anniversary of our mother’s passing and, most of all, Martin Luther King’s day,” he told DailyMail. “What a cocktail!”

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Signs of magnesium deficiency and foods to boost your levels

Magnesium is a mineral crucial for hundreds of biochemical reactions taking place inside our bodies.

Among the rest, magnesium plays an essential role in supporting healthy nerve function, maintaining normal blood pressure, regulating muscle contractions, and promoting a strong immune system. It contributes to the structural development of the bones and is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione.

However, despite the role it plays for the overall well-being of human body, many people don’t get enough of it, which can lead to certain health conditions.

In today’s fast-paced world, magnesium deficiency is a common issue. Some of the reasons that lead to this deficiency is the consumption of over-processed food, increased dairy consumption, aluminium exposure, alcohol consumption, age, as well as certain conditions such as Crohn’s disease and kidney issues.

How can a person know if they have low levels of magnesium in their body?

There are a number of symptoms, and most common are:

  1. Muscle cramps and twitches
  2. Weakened bones and muscles
  3. Raised blood pressure
  4. Irregular heartbeats
  5. Asthma
  6. Reduced appetite
  7. Dizziness
  8. Migraines
  9. Bowel Disease
  10. Fatigue
  11. Insomnia
  12. Tooth Decay
  13. Anxiety
  14. Confussion
  15. Seizures

If you suspect that you are low in magnesium, you should see a doctor and run tests to determine if this is the cause of some of the symptoms listed above.

In any case, your dietary intake may significantly improve the levels of magnesium in your body.

Foods reach in magnesium are the leafy green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Chia and pumpkin seeds are especially rich in this essential mineral.

Other magnesium-rich foods include avocados, salmon, edamame, and tofu.

Choose whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread instead of their processed counterparts, and limit high-dairy foods. Further, reduce your exposure to aluminum by choosing aluminum-free cookware and personal care products.

If your levels are still low, consider taking suplements.

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Looking back to an old photo album of myself changed so many things for me

My life has been a real roller coaster. I have experienced a lot throughout my 59 years, including the joy of becoming a mother four times, the heartbreak that came with the betrayal of my husband, and the new love that found me when I least expected it.

Over the course of my life, I have moved placed twelve times – more than anyone can imagine. But life threw curveballs along the way, and I had to find ways to overcome the challenges at the best of my ability.

That day, I was looking for the insurance contract I had placed somewhere safe, but forgot the spot.

As I was going through the old, dusty boxes that seemed like they were hiding real treasures, an old photo album caught my attention.

Its covers were nearly torn from the passage of time.

Just as I grabbed it, a photo of 19-year-old me fall on the floor. It was as though it wanted me to pick it up and see it.

I took the photo, and it instantly took me down memory lane to my childhood days, when everything seemed simple and carefree.

I remembered the day my friend Danielle took that photo. She wanted me to have it as a reminder of our friendship and the beautiful days we had.

I was wearing my favorite green top and a pair of jeans I loved so much.

Looking at the photo I thought to myself, “This Lizzy had no idea she would end up having four children, two mortgages, and a failed marriage.” With a smile on my face I though, “But she could also hardly assume that love would find her again at 42.”

I felt nostalgic and remembered that life was hard now. But then, I looked at the back of the photo and my heart paced. There was a little note written my handwriting. It read: “Stay strong, Lizzy. Never let life break your spirit.”

“Oh, my,” I thought to myself. I realized that although life didn’t turn out exactly as I anticipated when I was a teenager, I didn’t fail myself. Indeed, I managed to stay strong and never let life break me, not even when I lost my cheating husband and my home – more than once.

My old self would be proud of the strong woman I remained to be despite the challenges and all the obstacles that stood on my way.

That photo album and the old photo were the perfect reminder that my strength and resilience has shaped who I am today.

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Brit who died along with fiancé after drinking limoncello on Christmas Eve sent chilling final WhatsApp text

Greta Marie Otteson, a 33-year-old woman from Britain, and her South African fiancé Els Arno Quinton, 36, were found dead in their room at the Vietnam hotel where they were staying. Allegedly, the two had limoncello that was toxic because of the presence of methanol in it.

The couple, who were spending Christmas in the coastal city of Hoi An, announced their engagement just days prior to their untimely deaths through a YouTube video.

Greta and Els moved to Vietnam in February of last year.

Authorities believe that the couple ordered ‘homemade’ limoncello from a local restaurant that could have been laced with methanol.

“Police forensics established the limoncello, which had been delivered, was the source,” a source close to the victims’ families shared with The Times.

Greta sent a text message to her family, complaining about experiencing the “worst hangover ever.” She was also seeing “black spots” in her vision.

Greta Otteson/Facebook

The couple, however, decided to sleep it off.

“A local bar owner and a fantastic friend called over and wanted to take them to hospital but they refused,” the source told The Times. “Sadly I think it was too late by then.”

It was mere hours later that Greta and Els were found dead in separate rooms.

Officials said: “There were no signs of ransacking at the scene. The victims’ belongings and phones were untouched.”

Methanol poisoning has been reported in the past in certain countries of East Asia.

It is an industrial chemical found in antifreeze and windscreen washer fluid similar to ethanol. Methanol is tasteless, odorless, and highly flammable.

It is toxic and just 25ml are enough to kill someone.

If consumed, methanol starts affecting the body once it reaches the liver. At this stage, the body’s metabolism creates toxic by-products called formaldehyde, formate and formic acid that attack nerves and organs, leading to blindness, coma, and even death.

Quangnam Provincial Police

Greta’s devastating parents said, “Greta and Arno were experienced worldwide travellers. They found their perfect home and were incredibly happy.

“Our aim is to bring the people who supplied the alcohol and killed Greta and Arno to justice,” Greta’s dad, Paul, told The Times. “At some time in the future, we will have a memorial service for them both.

“Arno’s family expressed a wish that they should be together, which we wholeheartedly agree [with].”

We are so very sorry for this devastating loss.

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6 Reasons Why Women Cheat, According to a Relationship Expert

I used to think I had a solid grip on why infidelity happens, but the more I read about the reasons why women cheat, the more I realized it’s a lot more complex than I’d ever imagined. Cheating stings, and it often spells heartbreak for everyone involved. Yet it still happens, despite the enormous risks. Now, one expert has explained six primary factors behind this phenomenon, offering a fresh perspective on what drives some women to break their vows.

1. Feeling Emotionally Unfulfilled

Source: Freepik

One of the biggest reasons why women cheat lies in emotional neglect. I’ve seen this in friends who tried to communicate but felt like their words never truly landed. According to a study done in the UK and Australia, around 65% of women who cheated said emotional emptiness was at the heart of their decision. Conversations that stay shallow or go ignored can leave anyone feeling alone, but for some women, this loneliness propels them toward an affair.

What Does “Emotional Unfulfillment” Look Like?

Psychology Today suggests that when discussions always remain surface-level, or supportive responses are absent, women might feel emotionally abandoned. Over time, that sense of neglect can push them to find comfort elsewhere.

2. A Deeper Emotional Abandonment

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Sometimes it’s not just feeling overlooked; it’s feeling truly disconnected from a partner. While men do stray for emotional reasons too, the research shows women are four times more likely to cheat if they believe their partner isn’t really into them. Tracey Cox, a world-leading relationship expert, points out that only about five percent of men cite this cause, but for women, it’s a bigger issue tied directly to self-esteem and emotional security.

3. Revenge After Disloyalty

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I’ve heard friends admit they cheated purely out of a desire to “even the score.” This third common motivation stems from a form of retaliation: a partner betrayed them first, so they retaliate in kind. Tracey Cox says it’s about regaining agency and dignity after feeling wronged. It might not be the healthiest response, but that urge to hurt someone in the same way you’ve been hurt can be irresistible.

4. Power Imbalances in the Relationship

Some women cheat to regain control in relationships where they feel inferior. They may sense a constant power struggle over finances, status, or major life choices. If a partner is overly dominant or controlling, stepping outside the relationship can seem like a twisted path to self-empowerment. As Cox explains, if direct confrontation feels too risky, a covert affair might feel like the only way to tip the scales.

What Causes Power Struggles?

A few examples include:

  • Financial disparities
  • One partner making major decisions without input
  • Blame constantly placed on one person
  • Feeling unheard or dismissed

5. Dissatisfaction in Bed

Source: Freepik

It’s not just men who look elsewhere for excitement in the bedroom. A lackluster sex life is one of the reasons why women cheat, too. Nearly nine percent of women who strayed said it was simply because they weren’t getting their needs met at home. The fix often involves open-mindedness, trying new things, and honest discussions about desires. When both partners feel respected and satisfied, the temptation to seek thrills elsewhere generally goes down.

6. Stress Management

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Sometimes, the simplest explanation is stress. Balancing work, raising a family, running a household—these responsibilities can feel crushing. According to Cox, some women turn to an affair to escape feeling overwhelmed or underappreciated. It’s their version of “me time,” a moment to indulge in pleasure rather than being stretched too thin by constant obligations.

The Expert Behind the Insights

Tracey Cox has made a career out of helping people navigate love and intimacy. She’s authored 17 books, shared her expertise on CNN and Oprah, and even launched her own line of bedroom-enhancing products. Her insight into the reasons why women cheat gives us a window into the emotional and psychological landscape leading to infidelity.

Preventing Infidelity Through Connection

If there’s a silver lining here, it’s that many of these factors boil down to unmet emotional or physical needs. Taking time to truly connect—through conversations, shared hobbies, or simply laughing at life’s curveballs—can keep a relationship healthy. Cox also advises mixing it up in and out of the bedroom, because novelty can reignite the spark that keeps two people faithful.

Building a Stronger Bond

At the end of the day, even good relationships have lulls. Boredom might set in, or life just feels too routine. Yet understanding these six reasons why women cheat can help couples address underlying issues before they boil over. By staying open-minded, trying new experiences, and remembering to communicate about the little things, partners can fortify their connection and minimize the risk of straying down a painful path.

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Discover the Surprising Power Behind Your iPhone’s Volume Buttons

I never thought much about hidden iPhone volume button features until I realized just how many cool shortcuts those two little buttons can pull off. It blew my mind to learn that these buttons do so much more than just crank up the music or silence an embarrassing ringtone. From snapping photos to scanning documents in a flash, the volume controls really are a gateway to a whole new level of iPhone functionality. If you’re ready to simplify your daily phone routines, stick around—I’m about to share my favorite tips.

1. Capture Photos and Videos with Ease

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I used to fumble around tapping my screen every time I wanted to take a quick photo. Then I discovered the volume buttons double as a shutter release. Just press either volume button for an instant snapshot, whether you’re in portrait, panorama, or even burst mode. It also works for video: press once to start recording, again to stop. Believe me, it’ll be a game-changer at your next family gathering.

2. Quick Scans, No Screen Taps Required

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Ever tried scanning a document with shaky hands? I definitely have. In apps like Notes or Reminders, your volume buttons can act as a physical button for the scanner. No more awkwardly tapping your screen while trying to steady the camera—it’s just one more way these hidden iPhone volume button features can streamline everyday tasks.

3. Master Your Alarms in a Snap

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I’m not a morning person, so I’m no stranger to hitting snooze one too many times. With your iPhone volume buttons, you can quickly snooze or silence alarms. It’s perfect when you need those extra precious minutes without fumbling around trying to find the on-screen button.

4. Emergency Services at Your Fingertips

Source: CNET

I hope you never need this tip, but it’s incredibly important. Press and hold the side lock button and either volume button to trigger your iPhone’s SOS feature. Once you swipe the SOS icon, you’re connected to emergency services, even if your phone is locked. This function could save a life—yours or someone else’s.

5. Force a Restart When Your Phone Freezes

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It’s happened to me more times than I’d like to admit: my iPhone suddenly goes unresponsive. For a quick fix, press the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally hold the side lock button. This forced restart can often clear whatever glitch caused the freeze.

6. Temporarily Disable Face ID or Touch ID

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I’ve had moments when I wanted a faster way to lock down my phone. By holding the side lock button and either volume button for about two seconds, you temporarily disable Face ID or Touch ID. It’s a quick way to add a layer of privacy until you’re ready to unlock your phone again.

7. Silence Calls Instantly

Picture this: you’re in a meeting or a movie theater, and your phone starts buzzing. One press of either volume button silences the ringer immediately. This also stops the vibration if you’re in silent mode. It’s one of those hidden iPhone volume button features you’ll use more often than you think.

One Button, Countless Possibilities

I never expected so many hacks from two simple buttons. But the more I explore these hidden iPhone volume button features, the more I appreciate how Apple has packed so much power into such a small part of the device. They’re like your phone’s secret Swiss Army knife, handling everything from photos to emergency services. If you haven’t tried these shortcuts yet, give them a go. You just might find your iPhone life getting a whole lot easier.

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