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Often people worry that their chronic constipation could be a sign of bowel or colon cancer. In most cases, constipation does not cause cancer.

When does constipation become cancer; With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, stress and lack of physical activity, constipation has become a common problem. Millions of people around the world struggle with this problem daily. Occasional constipation is common and often overlooked.

However, when the problem persists for a long time, it can become a cause for concern. People often fear that their chronic constipation could be a sign of bowel or colon cancer. In most cases, constipation is not caused by cancer, but by lifestyle and dietary factors.

However, in some situations, constipation can also be a sign of a serious illness. So, let us explain when constipation can become cancerous and when to be careful.

When does constipation become cancer?

In most cases, constipation does not cause cancer. However, in some cases, prolonged constipation can be a sign of cancer. Constipation is considered dangerous if it lasts more than three weeks, a sudden change in bowel habits, bloody or black stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, persistent abdominal pain, heaviness, or lumps, and alternating constipation and diarrhea.

In such cases, colon cancer screening becomes necessary. As colon cancer grows, it narrows the intestinal tract, preventing the passage of stool. It can cause persistent constipation, pain and bleeding. However, cancer only causes constipation when the tumor is large enough to partially block the intestinal tract. Initially, constipation alone is not usually a sign of cancer.

When should be careful?

1. Constipation lasts longer than three weeks and does not improve with diet changes, increased fluid intake, or home remedies.
2. Blood in the stool, red blood, or black stool, can be a sign of an underlying problem.
3. Persistent or severe stomach pain, especially if the pain persists daily. A feeling of heaviness or lump in the stomach.
4. Unexplained weight loss. Weight loss without a change in diet is a warning sign.
5. Feeling very tired or weak. Fatigue that does not improve after rest.
6. Sudden changes in bowel habits. Everything was fine before, but now there is constipation, or alternating between constipation and diarrhea.
7. Persistent constipation for the first time after the age of 45-50 years. New digestive problems at this age should not be ignored.