Bowel cancer, or as it’s called ‘Colorectal Cancer’ in fancier words by the people in the medical field, is a nasty ailment that targets your colon and rectum and is one of the most widespread forms of cancer. This disease hides itself in the veil of your regular stomach sounds, and that’s why it is a cheeky one to detect. That is why you need to nip this in the bud before it spreads to the rest of your body.
If you really want to live long enough you need to recognise these symptoms and how bowel cancer stomach noises are connected, and that’s exactly what this article is about, so pay attention; who knows, this information might prove itself useful.
Learning More About Bowel Cancer Stomach Noises
While people like you and me call the rumblings in our stomach simply stomach noises, in the medical field, it is called ‘Borborygmi’. Well, these noises are produced when you decide to eat anything and that food is making it’s way through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While no one would blame you for ignoring these noises, it is still advised to keep a keen eye out for any variations in intensity and frequency. Let’s dive in and explore what causes bowel cancer stomach noises:
Some Common Causes of Bowel Cancer Stomach Noises:
- Digestion: The contraction of muscles caused by the passage and breaking down of food creates sounds.
- Not Absorbing Enough Nutrients: Those suffering from conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance have a busy digestive system and can also trigger stomach noises to occur.
- Gas: Gases created by the bacteria residing in your gut play a massive role in loud stomach noises.
- Starvation: Starving yourself causes your body to release hormones, triggering hormones to be released, which in turn causes stomach noises.
As mentioned time and time again, neglecting these causes too much might lead to severe complications later.
Bowel Cancer Stomach Noises: Is There a Connection?
Though the grumblings of your stomach may have nothing to do with bowel cancer itself, as mentioned earlier, bowel cancer can cloak itself along with these noises, and these changes will stick out like a sore thumb for you. For example, (hopefully not) if there is a tumour residing in your bowels, it can block pathways in your digestive system, end up in irregular digestion, irregular stomach sounds, and changes in bowel actions.
One aspect that serves to emphasise the need to be observant about chronic digestive complaints is the accounts of some patients complaining about strange noises in the stomach prior to diagnosis.
Bowel Cancer Stomach Noises: Certain Indicators
Having established the fact that stomach noises by themselves are not a sign of bowel cancer, let us examine some bowel cancer signs:
- Bloody Stool: This sign manifests itself in the form of blood-red or dark, tarry stools.
- Shifting Of Bowel Habits: Changes in stool consistency, constipation, or persistent diarrhoea that does not subside even after weeks.
- A Sensation of Incomplete Evacuation: When you feel partially full after a bowel movement.
- Unrelenting Abdominal Pains: Bloating, pain, or cramps that refuse to go away.
- Fatigue and Feebleness: Extended tiredness or weakness without an obvious reason.
- Irrational Weight Loss: Continue to lose weight even if you keep stuffing yourself with all kinds of food without regard.
Again, if you experience any of these signs, contacting a medical professional is the way to go.
Bowel Cancer Stomach Noises: How Is It Diagnosed?
If your doctor has suspicions regarding bowel cancer, these diagnostic tests can either confirm or completely eradicate this disease:
- MRI or CT Scans: These scans are used to sniff out and display any blockages and tumours in your bowel.
- Colonoscopy: A camera is inserted into the colon for a more in-depth view and also to observe any abnormalities.
- Biopsy: Works in tandem with colonoscopy and is carried out by studying a tissue sample retrieved during colonoscopy to look for any cancerous cells.
- Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): The results of your digestive process, a.k.a faeces, are observed for blood levels.
If you have any member over 50, it might be a good idea to get them regularly screened for bowel cancer to extend their lifespan. The same advice may also be applied to younger people and people with a family past of bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer Abdominal Sounds: Treatment Considerations?
The managed care of bowel cancer will depend on the location and stage of the disease as well as the patient’s overall health. Here are some treatment options for bowel cancer:
- Chemotherapy: Think of these medications as a special unit deployed to kill cancer cells and are often used for a clean-up job after surgery.
- Surgery: Surgery is a good option for the removal of the tumour along with the surrounding tissues, and it is only in its early stages.
- Targeted Therapy: Unlike the before mentioned chemotherapy, targeted therapy applies drugs that only stop the cancer cells from growing and surviving.
- Radiation Therapy: This is sort of like calling an airstrike but with radiation with the aim of targeting and shrinking tumours.
So, How Do We Stop Bowel Cancer Stomach Noises?
While things such as genetics and age are something we mere humans can’t control, that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything to reduce the chances of bowel cancer ever manifesting and ensure a healthy life. Let’s have a look at these steps, shall we?
- Routine Screenings: Routinely visiting your doctor for a colonoscopy can detect cancerous cells before they fully develop as tumours.
- Exercise Regularly: Take at least 30 minutes of your day for physical activities.
- Avoid and Limit Tobacco and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol are cited as leading contributors to bowel cancer.
- Regulate Your Weight: Make sure whatever you put in your mouth doesn’t make you overweight.
- Make Sure To Eat Healthy: Eating foods containing fibre like grains, veggies and fruits, is always a good idea.
Bowel Cancer And Stomach Noises: Digesting the Issue
On initial observation, stomach sounds are a normal part of the digestive process and, on their own, are not a cause for concern. The real issue happens when these belly noises come with a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool and unexplained weight loss. If you or someone you know is showing these symptoms seek a medical professional immediately. Early detection and apt intervention are keys to a successful treatment.
