When most people think about colon cancer warning signs, they immediately focus on obvious digestive issues. Blood in stool, dramatic weight loss, or severe abdominal pain typically come to mind.

Small changes in stool can be easy to ignore, but they may signal something serious. Doctors say paying attention early can save lives.

Colon and rectal cancers, once largely confined to people in their 60s and 70s, are increasingly striking adults in their 40s ...