I am a man of 67 years and have been suffering from diarrhea and constipation for half a year. The last few weeks I have had much thinner/smaller stools. I found something on the internet about pencil stools, but what exactly is that? Do you have any advice?
Male, 67 years
Joris Bartstra, journalist with medical diploma
You should see your doctor quickly to be referred for further investigation. A permanent change in the stool pattern – such as constipation, alternating with diarrhea – and pencil stools (very narrow stools) can indicate a narrowing of the intestine. And that could indicate colon cancer. Other abdominal complaints, such as abdominal pain, cramps, bloating or changes in the stool pattern that last longer than say three weeks, always require investigation. Colon cancer is curable if you catch it on time.
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