Evidence Based
Bowel cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is a specific type of cancer that impacts the large intestine of the gastrointestinal tract, potentially impacting the large intestine or colon and the rectum. Bowel cancer, however, may also affect the small intestine in rare instances and is commonly called small bowel cancer.
Colon and rectal cancer collectively are the third most commonly diagnosed cancer[1] in the United States and the second deadliest. The bowel cancer survival rate is approximately 88% at one year, 70% at three years, and 57% at five years[2] after diagnosis. These shocking statistics make timely and accurate identification and treatment of colorectal cancers of the utmost importance.
If you are wondering about the early warning signs of bowel cancer, we will explore the symptoms of bowel cancer, what causes bowel cancer, and when it is crucial to seek medical attention. We will also differentiate between the various types of bowel cancer and help you identify if you are at increased risk for it so you can learn how to detox your body to reduce your chances of developing this deadly illness.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bowel Cancer?
Symptoms of bowel cancer can vary based on the individual, the precise location of the cancer, and the disease progression. The most common symptoms include:
- Rectal bleeding.
- Blood in the stool.
- Changes in the caliber of your stool.
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Changes in bowel movements, such as increased diarrhea or constipation.
- Unexplained appetite loss.
- A palpable abdominal mass or lump.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Iron deficiency anemia may make a person feel weak, fatigued, or lethargic.
- Bowel obstruction resulting in an inability to pass gas or stool and extreme abdominal pain.
Symptoms Of Bowel Cancer
The new onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood in the stool, can be frightening for many people. Although they can be signs and symptoms of other gastrointestinal disorders,[3] such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or even constipation,[4] it’s important to be aware of the common symptoms of bowel cancer so you can reach out to your healthcare provider to rule out this diagnosis.
The symptoms of bowel cancer will depend upon various factors, such as how advanced the disease is, where the cancer is located, and the tumor size. Some of the most common initial bowel cancer symptoms[5] to be aware of include
- Rectal bleeding.
- Blood in the stool.
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Changes in bowel movements, such as increased diarrhea or constipation.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- A feeling like you need to have a bowel movement[6] when you just had one.
- Vomiting.[7]
- Fatigue.[8]
The late symptoms of bowel cancer[9] are likely to include:
- A palpable abdominal mass or lump.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Bowel obstruction[10] with inability to pass gas or stool and extreme abdominal or back pain.
If you have intense pain and are thinking, “Why am I so gassy?” It is important to receive appropriate evaluation from your doctor as this could be a sign of underlying bowel cancer.
What Is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer is a broad term for cancer originating in the large bowel, often called colorectal cancer, as the large bowel includes both the colon and rectum. Cancerous tumors usually begin by attaching[11] themselves to the colon’s lining, and the location determines the treatment modality.
Depending on the location of the origin of the cancer, bowel cancer can be broken down into colon cancer or rectal cancer. Bowel cancer can also originate in the small bowel or intestines, but this is rarer than colon or rectal cancer.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer[12] is a specific type of bowel cancer that begins in the large intestine. Typically, these cancers begin as small, noncancerous growths called polyps.[13] These polyps can develop into cancer over time if left untreated. Colon cancer can spread or metastasize to other organs, most commonly[14] the liver or tissues in the abdomen.
Rectal Cancer
As the name suggests, rectal cancer[15] originates in the rectum, the lowest part of the large intestine that attaches to the sigmoid colon and the anus. Like colon cancer, it often develops from polyps in the rectum. Rectal cancer can quickly spread to other locations in the body, just like colon cancer, if left untreated.
Small Bowel Cancer
Small bowel cancer[16] is a specific type of cancer that originates in the small intestine of the digestive tract. The small intestine stretches from the end of the stomach to the start of the large intestine and contains three distinct areas: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Small bowel cancer accounts for less than 5%[17] of gastrointestinal cancers, making it much rarer than colon or rectum cancers.
Bowel Cancer Causes
The primary causes behind the development[18] of colorectal cancer are risk factors such as the presence of certain medical conditions, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, red meat consumption, and alcohol and tobacco use. Normal colon tissue develops into a precancerous lesion for these individuals, eventually accumulating genetic mutations, transforming them into invasive cancers.
For others, certain medical conditions[19] and environmental factors[20] may be risk factors for developing colorectal cancer.
Medical Conditions
Individuals with specific medical conditions, especially those involving the gastrointestinal tract, may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Medical conditions associated with an increased risk of bowel cancer include individuals with:
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer.
- A history of adenomatous polyps and polyps with particular morphologies.
- A history of inflammatory bowel diseases, especially ulcerative colitis[21] and Crohn’s disease.
- Inherited syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis[22] and Lynch syndrome.[23]
- Childhood cancer and underwent abdominal radiation.[24]
If you have any of these underlying medical conditions, discuss screening options with your doctor to ensure that underlying bowel cancer does not go undiagnosed.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors[25] may influence a person’s risk of developing bowel cancer. The specific factors associated with increased risk include:
- Individuals who are overweight or obese.
- Individuals with increased age, with approximately 90% of new cases[26] occurring in individuals over 50 years old.
- Men have a 30% higher chance[27] of developing bowel cancer than women.
- Individuals with a low amount of physical activity.
- People who consume[28] processed meat, a lot of red meat, high-calorie meals, fat-rich diets, and fiber-deficient diets.
- Eating a diet[29] low in calcium, vitamin D, and dairy.
- Alcohol consumption, at least four drinks per day, has increased[30] a person’s risk by 52%.
- Smoking tobacco.
- Frying, boiling, charcoal broiling, or other methods for cooking meat at extremely high temperatures.
- Gut microbiome[31] imbalances.
Many of these can be altered to reduce a person’s risk of bowel cancer. For example, changing the diet to include additional calcium and vitamin D, losing weight, and quitting smoking can prevent the development of bowel cancer.
Protective factors[32] are environmental factors that prevent an individual from developing a disease. Many protective factors for colorectal cancer have been identified. Protective factors such as consuming fish and fish oil,[33] engaging in daily exercise,[34] eating a diet high in fiber,[35] and regularly consuming aspirin[36] have all been linked to reduced rates of colorectal cancer.
When To Seek Medical Attention
If you begin to experience any of the above symptoms, or if they become persistent or severe, you must speak with a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Although other conditions can cause these symptoms, it is essential to rule out bowel cancer as a possible cause. If your doctor is concerned about the possibility of bowel cancer, they will conduct a thorough evaluation that will likely include:
- A physical examination to feel for abdominal masses.
- A fecal occult blood test to assess for blood in the stool.
- Blood tests to evaluate for anemia or other immune system dysfunction.
- Imaging studies like a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to visualize the bowel.
Once your provider obtains this information, they will better identify the likely underlying cause of your symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with bowel cancer, treatment options[37] will depend upon the stage of your cancer. Some patients will be candidates for bowel resection surgery or lymph node removal, while others may be candidates for immunotherapy, radiation, or chemotherapy. Your doctor will discuss all available treatments to ensure you tackle bowel cancer most appropriately.
Conclusion
Bowel cancer is a deadly condition that is unfortunately very common in the United States, particularly in individuals with a family history of bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, individuals over 50, and those with a diet high in meat and fat. It is essential to be aware of the common bowel cancer symptoms so you can reach out to a healthcare provider.
Although other conditions can cause these symptoms, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting proper evaluation and screening are always warranted to ensure bowel cancer is not a factor impacting your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool can be a sign of bowel cancer. The frequency at which bleeding occurs can vary. Not everyone will experience this, but if you do, speak with your doctor immediately.
The early warning signs of bowel cancer include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Other medical conditions can cause these symptoms, so seek medical attention for further evaluation.
Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large intestines, which include the colon and rectum. Bowel cancer is often referred to as colorectal cancer. However, small bowel cancer occurs in 5% of cases.
Bowel cancer pain is usually felt in the abdomen. The exact location in the abdomen will vary based on the tumor location.
The loss of bowel control, which is known as fecal incontinence, is not a typical symptom of bowel cancer. Bowel cancer can cause changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.
