A stomach pain is so common that in most cases, people overlook the symptom and wait for it to resolve on its own. However, experts warn that if the pain is persistent or recurring, it should not be taken lightly. In some cases, it could signal a serious underlying condition, such as colon cancer, especially in its advanced stages, where early detection can make all the difference.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Prashanth Rao, Director and Senior Consultant - Gastroenterology, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, discusses how persistent abdominal pain can sometimes be an early warning sign of serious gastrointestinal conditions, including colon cancer.
Also Read: Exercising Improves Colon Cancer Survival; Study Establishes Facts
What Is Advanced Colon Cancer?
Advanced colon cancer, also known as stage IV or metastatic colon cancer, is when the cancer has spread from the colon to distant organs like the liver or lungs.
Treatment options vary depending on the specific situation but often include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and sometimes surgery or radiation.
The five-year survival rate for metastatic colon cancer is lower than for earlier stages, but advances in treatment continue to improve outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the 5-year survival rate for people with stage VI colon cancer is about 13%.
Can Persistent Stomach Pain Be A Sign Of Advanced Colon Cancer?
“If stomach pain doesn’t go away after a few weeks and you also notice changes in your stool, blood in stool, weight loss, or feel tired, it could be a sign of something serious like colon cancer,” says Dr Rao.
He adds that this could be more likely if a person is over 45 or has a family with colon problems. It's best to see a doctor to check what’s going on. Any change in bowel habits/alternating diarrhoea and constipation should raise abnormal levels in middle-aged or other people.
Symptoms Of Advanced Colon Cancer To Watch Out For
According to Dr Rao, advanced colon cancer can cause serious symptoms beyond just changes in bowel habits. These include:
- Extreme tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Extreme bloating
- Difficulty emptying their bowels
- Nausea or vomiting
Dr Rao also notes that if the cancer spreads to the liver, it can cause yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and the belly may swell due to fluid buildup. “When it spreads to the lungs, individuals might cough a lot, feel short of breath, or have chest pain. If it reaches the bones, it can cause bone pain, weak bones, and sometimes broken bones,” he adds.
Colon Cancer Vs Other Digestive Problems
Stomach pain from colon cancer is different from common digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Dr Rao elaborates, “In colon cancer, the pain is usually constant and doesn't go away after bowel movements. It often gets worse over time and may be accompanied by other symptoms like blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying. These signs are more serious and should be checked by a doctor.”
“In contrast, IBS pain often comes and goes, is usually relieved after a bowel movement, and is often linked to stress or certain foods. IBS doesn't cause weight loss, blood in the stool, or fatigue,” he adds.
Steps To Take If You Have Persistent Stomach Pain
If someone has chronic stomach discomfort, doctors follow a careful process to find out what's causing it. Here are the detailed diagnostic steps shared with us by Dr Rao.
First, they ask about the pain—when it started, how it feels, and if anything makes it better or worse. They also want to know about your eating habits, stress levels, and any other symptoms like fever, weight loss, or blood in your stool.
Next, they do a physical exam to check for any obvious problems.
After that, doctors may order some tests. Blood tests can show if there's an infection or inflammation. They might also check your stool for signs of infection or other issues. Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans help doctors see inside your body to find problems like gallstones or tumours. Sometimes, they use a camera to look directly at your digestive system through procedures called endoscopy or colonoscopy. These tests help doctors see if there are ulcers, inflammation, or other issues in your stomach or intestines.
In some cases, doctors might suggest a breath test to check for conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), which can cause symptoms similar to IBS. They may also ask about your mental health, as stress and anxiety can affect your stomach.
If the cause isn't clear right away, doctors might try treating you for common conditions like IBS or acid reflux and see if your symptoms improve. This approach helps them figure out what's wrong and how to treat it best. If you're having ongoing stomach pain, it's important to see a doctor who can guide you through this process.
Conclusion
Stomach pain is something most of us ignore or overlook, hoping it’ll go away on its own. But when the discomfort lingers or gets worse, it could be your body’s way of signalling a serious underlying condition. In rare cases, persistent pain might be more than just a digestive issue; it could be a sign of something serious like advanced colon cancer. However, with timely checkups and the right tests, it’s possible to catch problems early and treat them effectively.