How does constipation increase the risk of colorectal cancer?

Doctor's Answers 1

Constipation does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

It is a common myth that constipation will increase the exposure of "toxic" contents in stools to the colonic cells, thereby increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. However, patients who suffer from constipation are not at higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Constipation is also not a symptom associated with colorectal cancer. The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

a persistent change of bowel habit for about 1 month
blood in your stools
mucus in your stools
a persistent sensation of incomplete passage of stools.

If you suffer from constipation, you should consult your doctor as it is a treatable medical condition.

Similar Questions

Cancer

Do I need a colonoscopy for tailbone and anal pain to rule out cancer?

Hi, The description of your symptoms appear to be proctalgia ani. While it literally translate to "pain in your anus", the persistence of your symptoms warrants a physical examination by a doctor. The causes can range anywhere from an anal fissure (tear in your anus), to deep anal infections, to referred pain from somewhere else e. g. coccydynia / pelvic floor strain (from your weight lifting), and stress.

Answered By

Colorectal Surgeon

Can psoriasis increase my risk of cancer?

Hi, thanks for the D2D. This is a great question. From published data, there may be a slight increase risk of developing cancers in Individuals with psoriasis. Some studies do show a possible increase risk of cancers like lymphoma, lung cancer and skin cancer. Possible reason for this includes the chronic inflammation and impaired immune-surveillance in psoriasis individuals. The treatments used in psoriasis may also lead to an increase in the risk of cancers eg phototherapy can lead to increase in skin cancers and the oral and systemic treatments like cyclosporine may also increase the risk.

Read full answer