It is normal for people to experience unusual stomach noises, including rumbling, gurgling, or growling, at some point. However, if these sounds are frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, you would naturally ask yourself if they indicate something more sinister—i.e., bowel cancer.
So, are stomach sounds a sign of bowel cancer? Let’s take a look at what’s normal, what isn’t, and when you should get medical help.
What Produces Stomach Noises?
Stomach or bowel noises, known as borborygmi, result from the passing of gas and fluids within the digestive system. Typical causes include:
Hunger
Digestion after meals
Swallowing air
Buildup of gas
Mild indigestion
These noises are most often benign and not to worry about. But on occasion, persistent or loud belly noises may be associated with underlying digestive issues.
Are Stomach Noises a Sign of Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer, does not usually produce stomach noises as an initial symptom. But if you experience continuous gurgling or altering of bowel sounds accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate something else.
Warning Signs of Bowel Cancer Are:
A change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation that persists for more than a few weeks)
Blood in stool or bleeding in the rectum
Unexplained weight loss
Continuous fatigue
Abdominal pain or cramping
A sense of incomplete emptying of the bowel
Should stomach sounds be paired with any of these symptoms, it is best to visit a doctor at once. Early diagnosis of bowel cancer can go a long way in improving treatment outcome.
When to See a Doctor
You need to see a doctor if:
Stomach sounds are paired with intense pain
You see blood while having a bowel movement
There’s sudden weight loss without an explanation
You feel a sudden change in bowel habits
Your physician can order a colonoscopy, blood work, or imaging to eliminate bowel cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, or ulcers.
Final Thoughts
Though stomach sounds are normally a harmless part of the digestion process, sometimes they can signal more serious illnesses. By themselves, they are not a distinct indicator of bowel cancer, but if accompanied by other red-flag symptoms, don’t take them for granted.
Listen to your body, stay informed, and always consult a healthcare professional if you’re concerned. When it comes to bowel cancer, early detection can save lives.
