Bowel Cancer and Stomach Noises: Are You Worried?

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.

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