In today’s fast-paced life, poor eating habits, stress and lack of physical activity have made constipation a very common problem. Millions of people around the world struggle with this problem every day. Occasional constipation is common and usually ignored. However, when this problem persists for a long time, it can become a cause for concern. People often fear that their chronic constipation may be a sign of intestinal or colon cancer. In most cases, constipation is not caused by cancer but by lifestyle and dietary problems. However, in certain situations, constipation can be a symptom of a serious illness. So, let’s talk about when constipation becomes a sign of cancer and when you should be careful.
What is constipation?
Constipation means less frequent bowel movements, hard stools, straining during bowel movements, and fewer than 2-3 bowel movements per week. When this problem persists for 3 weeks or more, it is called chronic constipation. Common symptoms include having fewer than two bowel movements per week, very hard or dry stools, inability to empty the bowels completely even after straining, and a feeling of heaviness or gas in the stomach. In most cases, constipation is caused by low-fiber diet, drinking less water, lack of physical activity, sitting for long periods of time, side effects of certain medications, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
When does constipation become a sign of cancer?
In most cases, constipation does not cause cancer. However, in certain circumstances, chronic constipation may be a sign of cancer. Constipation is considered dangerous when it persists for more than 3 weeks, there is a sudden change in bowel habits, bloody or black stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, persistent abdominal pain, swelling or lumps in the abdomen, and alternating constipation and diarrhea. In such cases, colon cancer screening becomes necessary. As colon cancer grows, it narrows the intestinal passage, preventing stool from passing. This causes frequent constipation, pain and bleeding. However, cancer causes constipation only when it has grown significantly. Constipation occurs when the tumor becomes large enough and partially blocks the intestinal tract. Therefore, constipation alone, especially in the early stages, is not usually a sign of cancer.
When should you be concerned?
1. Constipation lasts for more than 3 weeks and is not cured by changes in diet, drinking more water or home remedies.
2. Blood is seen in the stool, either bright red blood or dark, tar-like stool. This could be a sign of some internal problem.
3. There is persistent or severe pain in the stomach, especially if the pain persists. Feeling of heaviness or lump in the stomach.
4. Weight is lost without any reason. Weight loss without changing diet is a warning sign.
5. You feel very tired or weak which does not go away even with rest.
6. There is a sudden change in defecation habits. Earlier everything was fine, but now suddenly constipation has occurred, or you have constipation and diarrhea alternately.
7. For the first time after the age of 45-50, you experience persistent constipation. New digestive problems should not be ignored at this age.
