Is Your Constipation Really Harmless? A Cancer Surgeon Weighs In On Early Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer

Constipation is one of the most commonly dismissed health concerns. In fact, for many, this issue is typically thought of as a small inconvenience, which is normally attributed to either eating habits, stress, or simply not drinking enough. In India, in particular, many people will first turn to home remedies, OTC medications, or some other traditional methods before seeking medical assistance.

Is Your Constipation Really Harmless? (Image Credit: Canva)

Although there is no harm in applying these measures for temporary symptom relief, the real concern is when persistent symptoms are continually disregarded. At times, what seems to be harmless can actually be your body’s way of giving an early warning sign.

Therefore,  The Daily Jagran turned to Dr Vivek Sukumar, GI Onco-Surgeon from SSO Cancer Hospital, to learn about symptoms, early signs and much more about constipation and how it is linked to Colorectal Cancer.

The Rising Concern

A growing number of individuals in urban areas are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in India. The unfortunate part about colorectal cancer is that many people are diagnosed with an advanced stage of the illness. Early detection of colorectal cancer is extremely important; colorectal cancer does not develop suddenly, so the first signs could have been overlooked when they happened initially.

Cases of constipation have been attributed to many factors, including insufficient consumption of dietary fibre, inadequate hydration and lack of exercise. While temporary constipation may be benign, chronic, unresolved or unexplained constipation requires professional assessment.

Colorectal Cancer (Image Credit: Cancer) 

When Should You Be Concerned?

Constipation should be treated seriously if it is:

• New to the person, especially after turning 40
• Continually happening or getting worse
• Associated with blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, sudden/unanticipated weight loss, or fatigue due to incomplete evacuation

In certain cases, a growth located in either the colon or the rectum may partially obstruct the normal flow of stool and cause marked changes in bowel habits.

The Risk of Delayed Action

India has a challenge in the form of consistently delaying medical consultations. Patients are often engaged in taking self-medication for multiple weeks or months. While it is fine to start treating oneself at home, ongoing treatment of one’s own health despite having continued symptoms means that the diagnosis will be delayed.

Significant delays in getting a diagnosis can affect the patient’s outcome, especially if they have a type of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, that requires prompt intervention.

ALSO READ: Bowel Cancer: Expert Explains How To Protect Yourself And Recognise The Early Warning Signs

The Power of Early Detection

Colorectal cancer can be successfully treated when discovered at an early stage. The survival rate for individuals with colorectal cancer can exceed 90 per cent with early detection of colorectal cancer. People with a family history of the disease or who experience ongoing changes in bowel movement should be screened (i.e., colonoscopically) in order to detect early signs of the disease; both stool testing and colonoscopy will assist you in detecting pre-cancerous conditions and/or early-stage cancers. These are fundamental health screenings; therefore, don't delay screening for the prevention of a cancer death.

Listening To Your Body Matters

Recognising patterns and the length of time they've been occurring, as well as any other symptoms, is essential in understanding that not every instance of constipation means you have cancer (again, the majority do not). As a surgical oncologist, it has been my experience that prompt or delayed diagnosis can significantly influence the outcome for patients undergoing treatment for cancer.

ALSO READ: How Sitting For Long Hours At Desk Job Leads To Silent Cancer Risk No One Talks About; Know From Doctor

The Takeaway

Culturally available, oftentimes we find home remedies to work for us. However, if symptoms persist or worsen or cause concern, it’s time to talk to a doctor or other health care provider.
Because sometimes, even though a symptom looks simple, it may be sending you an urgent message.