Due to today’s fast-paced life, wrong eating habits, stress and lack of physical activity, the problem of constipation has become very common. Millions of people around the world are struggling with this problem every day. Occasional constipation is common and people generally ignore it. But when this problem persists for a long time, it can become a cause for concern. Often people fear that their long-standing constipation might be a sign of intestinal or colon cancer. In most cases, the cause of constipation is not cancer, but it is a problem related to our lifestyle and eating habits. But in some special situations, constipation can also be a sign of some serious disease. In such a situation, let us tell you today when the problem of constipation turns into cancer and when one should be careful about it.

What is constipation?

Constipation means when bowel movements are not regular, stools are very hard, one has to strain during bowel movements and defecation is less than 2-3 times a week. When this problem persists for 3 weeks or more, it is called long-term or chronic constipation. Its common symptoms are defecation 2 or less times a week, stool being very hard or dry, not emptying the stomach completely even after straining and heaviness or gas in the stomach. In most cases, constipation is caused by a diet low in fiber, not drinking enough water, lack of physical activity, sitting for long periods of time, side effects of some medications, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

When does constipation become cancer?

In most cases, constipation does not turn into cancer. But in certain situations, prolonged constipation can be a sign of cancer. Constipation is considered dangerous when it persists for more than 3 weeks, there is a sudden change in the habit of defecation, there is blood in the stool or the stool is black, there is weight loss without any reason. Feeling constantly tired, persistent pain, heaviness or lump in the stomach, constipation and diarrhea occurring alternately. In such cases, colon cancer screening becomes necessary. As colon cancer grows, it narrows the intestinal tract, preventing stool from moving through. Due to which there is constant constipation, pain and bleeding problems, but cancer causes constipation only after it grows a lot. Cancer causes constipation only when the tumor becomes large enough and partially blocks the intestinal tract, that is, constipation only in the beginning is not usually a sign of cancer.

When should one be wary of this?

1. Constipation persists for more than 3 weeks. It may not be cured even by changing diet, drinking water or home remedies.

2. If blood is visible in the stool, red blood or black colored stool, it can be a sign of an internal problem.

3. There is persistent or severe pain in the stomach. Especially if the pain persists every day. Feeling of heaviness or lump in the stomach.

4. Started losing weight without any reason. Weight loss without changing diet is a danger sign.

5. Feeling very tired or weak. Fatigue does not go away even after rest.

6. The habit of defecation suddenly changes. Earlier everything was fine, now suddenly constipation started or constipation and diarrhea are alternating again and again.

7. Persistent constipation for the first time after the age of 45–50 years. New digestive problems should not be ignored at this age.

Also read: Is it necessary for health to take bath daily in winter? Know the opinion of experts

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: Colorectal cancer is increasingly becoming a serious health challenge worldwide. The surprising thing is that now its cases are increasing not only among the elderly but also among the young people. In the initial stage, this disease mostly progresses without any specific symptoms or shows such mild changes that people ignore it considering it to be a normal stomach problem. A study by JAMA Network suggests that certain characteristics are strongly associated with early onset of colorectal cancer.

Why is timely identification important?

According to the American Cancer Society, if colorectal cancer is caught in the early stages and the disease is limited to one part of the body, the patient’s chance of survival for 5 years is about 90 percent. But as it starts spreading in the body, this figure drops rapidly. About 73 percent in the regional stage and only 13 percent if the cancer has spread far, hence timely identification is very important.

Early detection is the only treatment

If colorectal cancer is caught at the right time, there are better treatment options, less recurrence and the chances of complete recovery increase significantly. Doctors say that many initial signs can be seen in your stool itself. Know those important symptoms which should not be ignored at all:

stool that looks thin or pencil-like

If your stool suddenly starts becoming thin, ribbon-like or pencil-like and this change persists for several days, it could be a warning. The American Cancer Society says that this happens when the tumor narrows the inner part of the intestines. According to Mayo Clinic, in such a situation the stool gets less space to come out, hence it starts looking thin.

appearance of mucus in stool

The intestines normally produce a small amount of mucus, but if the amount increases and a visibly sticky or gel-like substance appears on the stool, it may be a sign of a problem. NCBI medical guidelines also consider mucus or blood from the anus as a warning sign.

blood in stool

Blood in the stool, whether bright red or black, is considered the most common early sign of colorectal cancer. According to research, some form of bleeding is seen in about 50 to 60 percent of patients in the initial stage. Although piles, fissures or infection may also cause bleeding, frequent or persistent bleeding should never be taken lightly, especially when other symptoms are also seen.

persistent diarrhea or constipation

Frequent diarrhea, constipation or frequent changes between the two are also a warning sign. Moffitt Cancer Center says that if such problem is seen continuously in people above 50 years of age, then colon examination becomes necessary. If this problem persists for several days or weeks, then it is important to get a colonoscopy done in time.

Why are youth also coming at increasing risk?

A large analysis published in The Lancet Oncology has shown that colorectal cancer is increasing rapidly in the age group of 25 to 49 years, and its cases are seen increasing in 27 out of 50 countries. According to MDPI, excessive use of antibiotics at an early age, highly processed food, obesity and poor lifestyle are considered to be the main reasons for this. Experts believe that if people pay attention to timely screening and lifestyle improvements, then the increasing cases can be stopped to a great extent.

Read this also- Early Signs Of Kidney: Before kidney damage, symptoms of the disease are visible in the eyes, if you know then your life will be saved.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator