Could Your Bowel Changes Indicate Colorectal Cancer Risk?

Q: Could Your Bowel Changes Indicate Colorectal Cancer Risk?

Hello： The symptoms of colorectal cancer are mostly non-specific, so there is no need to overly worry about certain symptoms. <br>It is essential to develop proper lifestyle and dietary habits. <br>If there is no improvement, you can consult a gastroenterologist, who will determi

Is the issue of bowel movements and flatulence possibly related to colorectal cancer?

Hello Doctor, I am a junior staff member working in a real estate company.
I usually have bowel movements about 1-3 times a day, but a month ago, I started experiencing irregular bowel habits.
Initially, I had watery stools for two to three days, followed by occasional episodes of thinner stools, and my flatulence increased to about 10-15 times a day.
After researching online, I became concerned that this might be a sign of colorectal cancer.
However, recently my stools have returned to a thicker consistency, which has made me very anxious and affected my sleep.

Out of concern for colorectal cancer, I asked my family and found out that my grandfather had undergone surgery for colon polyps, but it never progressed to cancer, and no one else in my family has had colorectal cancer.
Towards the end of the month, I suddenly experienced heartburn in the middle of the night, and the next day I passed black stools.
This frightened me greatly, so I went to the hospital for a check-up.
That day, I underwent an upper endoscopy, had blood drawn, received a digital rectal exam, tested for occult blood in my stool, and had an abdominal ultrasound, all of which came back normal.
However, I have become increasingly preoccupied with my bowel habits and feel that my gastrointestinal system has become very sensitive.
I often feel the urge to use the restroom, which causes me a lot of panic.
Additionally, my bowel movements have been irregular over the past two weeks; only the first bowel movement in the morning appears somewhat normal, while subsequent stools are loose and of small volume.

Doctor, could this situation indicate colorectal cancer, or would I need to undergo a colonoscopy? Thank you very much for your attention.

An, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/11

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: The symptoms of colorectal cancer are mostly non-specific, so there is no need to overly worry about certain symptoms.
It is essential to develop proper lifestyle and dietary habits.
If there is no improvement, you can consult a gastroenterologist, who will determine whether a colonoscopy is necessary.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2020/06/11

More Info

Your concerns about bowel changes and the potential risk of colorectal cancer are valid, especially given the symptoms you've described. It's important to understand that while changes in bowel habits can be alarming, they are not definitive indicators of cancer. Colorectal cancer symptoms can be quite nonspecific and may overlap with various benign gastrointestinal conditions.

From your description, it seems you've experienced a range of bowel changes, including episodes of diarrhea, changes in stool consistency (from normal to thin), and an increase in flatulence. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary changes, stress, infections, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The fact that you have had a recent endoscopy and other tests that returned normal results is reassuring. These tests are crucial in ruling out serious conditions, including cancer.

The presence of black stools can be concerning, as it may indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, if your recent tests showed no abnormalities, it is less likely that this is due to a malignancy. It's also worth noting that certain foods, medications (like iron supplements), or even supplements can cause changes in stool color.

Your family history, particularly your grandfather having had polyps, does place you at a slightly increased risk for colorectal issues, but it does not mean you will develop cancer. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age and with certain genetic predispositions, but the absence of a direct family history of colorectal cancer in your immediate relatives is a positive sign.

Given your ongoing concerns and the fact that your symptoms have persisted, it would be prudent to continue monitoring your bowel habits and any associated symptoms. If you notice any alarming signs such as significant weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, or blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention promptly.
In terms of further investigations, a colonoscopy may be warranted if your symptoms do not improve or if new symptoms arise. This procedure allows for a direct view of the colon and can help identify any abnormalities, including polyps or signs of cancer.
In the meantime, consider maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated, and managing stress, as these can all impact bowel health. If anxiety about your symptoms is affecting your quality of life, discussing this with a healthcare provider may also be beneficial. They can provide support and possibly recommend strategies to help manage your concerns.

In summary, while your symptoms warrant attention, the likelihood of colorectal cancer is low given your recent evaluations. Continue to monitor your symptoms, maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, and do not hesitate to seek further evaluation if your symptoms change or worsen.

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