When your digestive system isn’t functioning as usual, it’s natural to be concerned. Symptoms like abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, or bloating can be linked to conditions ranging from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to colon cancer. While they may share some overlapping symptoms, IBS and colon cancer have distinct causes and risks. Here’s how to know the difference between IBS vs colon cancer.
IBS is a chronic condition that affects how your digestive tract functions. However, it doesn’t cause any physical damage. It’s known as a functional disorder. This means your bowel doesn’t work right, even though your colon looks normal.
If you have IBS, you may notice symptoms like:
IBS can be frustrating because it can come and go. Stress, certain foods, or hormone fluctuations often trigger it. The good news is that it doesn’t cause permanent damage to your intestines and doesn’t increase your risk of developing colon cancer.
Colon cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of your colon. It often starts as small, non-cancerous growths called polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous if they aren’t removed during a routine colonoscopy.
In the early stages, colon cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, you might experience:
Unlike IBS, colon cancer is a structural disease. This means there are physical changes in your colon.
Colon cancer is serious. However, it’s one of the most treatable cancers when found early. Regular screenings with colonoscopies help with early detection.
At first glance, some IBS and colon cancer symptoms may seem similar. Both conditions can cause changes in bowel habits and abdominal discomfort. Here’s what sets them apart:
IBS doesn’t increase your chances of getting colon cancer. However, conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can increase your colon cancer risk.
If you’re 45 or older or have a family history of colon cancer, getting regular screenings is one of the best steps you can take to protect your health. A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to visually check your colon for polyps or early signs of cancer. If polyps are found, they can be removed before they become cancerous.
Colon cancer doesn’t always have obvious symptoms at first, which is why screening is so important. Even if you’re feeling fine, a colonoscopy can catch issues early, before they become serious.
You should seek immediate care if you notice:
If you have ongoing digestive issues like changes in bowel habits, cramping, or discomfort, you should see a GI specialist. They will help you determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They are experts in all gastroenterology conditions, from IBS to colon cancer and everything in between.
Don’t continue to worry that your symptoms are IBS vs colon cancer – schedule an appointment today!
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