# Change in bowel habits: causes and when to see a doctor

_Change in bowel habits: what it can be linked to, how urgent it is and what to do next. Kenya guidance from My Wellness Health._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/change-in-bowel-habits

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Bowel habits change with diet, infections and stress. A change that lasts several weeks, such as looser stools or new constipation, can be a sign of bowel cancer. Get checked if a change lasts more than three weeks.

**Change in bowel habits: what to do**

| How urgent | What a clinician will check | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Get checked if a change lasts more than three weeks. | A clinical review and a stool test. | Cancer risk assessment | Cancer risk assessments, KES 300 |

## Change in bowel habits: common questions

**Q: What can cause change in bowel habits?**

A: Bowel habits change with diet, infections and stress. A change that lasts several weeks, such as looser stools or new constipation, can be a sign of bowel cancer.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Get checked if a change lasts more than three weeks.

**Q: What will the doctor check?**

A: A clinical review and a stool test.

**Q: Does change in bowel habits mean I have cancer?**

A: Usually not, but it is worth getting checked so a clinician can find the cause. Only an examination and tests can tell.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's cancer risk assessment (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [NHS, Bowel cancer symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/symptoms/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines](https://www.iccp-portal.org/resources/national-cancer-screening-and-early-diagnosis-guidelines)

## Related symptoms

- [Black stools: causes and when to worry | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/black-stools)
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