Is triangular-shaped stool a sign of colon cancer?

Generally speaking, whether triangular-shaped stool indicates colorectal cancer must be determined through a comprehensive evaluation of accompanying symptoms, medical history, and clinical test results. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:

If stools are consistently triangular in shape and accompanied by symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, palpable abdominal masses, or unexplained weight loss—especially in individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or a long-standing history of intestinal diseases—colorectal cancer should be considered possible. In such cases, timely examinations including colonoscopy and pathological biopsy are necessary to determine the presence and nature of any tumors in the intestine.

If triangular-shaped stools occur only occasionally and there are no abnormal symptoms such as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or weight loss, the cause is likely related to diet composition, intestinal functional disorders, or local anorectal conditions. In these cases, normal stool shape can usually be restored through dietary adjustments and regular lifestyle habits, and the likelihood of colorectal cancer is low.

When stools persistently appear triangular or are accompanied by other discomforts, self-diagnosis or delaying medical evaluation should be avoided. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and promote healthy intestinal motility. Establish regular bowel habits and avoid prolonged straining during defecation. If symptoms persist for more than 1–2 weeks without improvement, or if new abnormalities develop, prompt medical evaluation for gastrointestinal conditions is essential to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment, thereby preventing health deterioration due to misjudgment.