Hello, I Just Turned 32 And I've Noticed I Have

Posted on Fri, 3 Jan 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 3 Jan 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I just turned 32 and I've noticed I have been having frequent bouts with diarrhea and gassiness from my abdomen very frequently. I haven't had a dark bowel movement, although when I did I had 4 pill of Pepno Bismal previously. My biggest concern is that these are precursors to Colon Cancer, now I don't have any history of cancer in my family, I live pretty healthy and exercise almost 5 days a week. I did smoke in my teens, and quit dipping almost 2 years ago. Is a colonoscopy warranted with my symptoms?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need to look for danger signs

Detailed Answer:
hi
Thanks for your query.

These symptoms are more like irritable bowel syndrome. We need to look for danger signs which may signify serious diseases like colon cancer, malabsorption syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. These are weight loss, loss of appetite, anemia, fatigue, etc. Also the physical examination by a gastroenterologist is important to elicit any signs.

Unless these are present, colonoscopy may be deferred for time being.

Hope this helps,
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (7 hours later)

Well I have been more tired than usual. But can that be summed up by my sleep hours changing from 8 to 5-6? Also, besides what you listed what are the other serious signs of Colon cancer to watch for?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, less sleep may be the reason

Detailed Answer:
I think I listed all of them...

Be sure to cut down on stress as that also can lead to irregular bowel movements.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (4 hours later)

Last question, what is the biggest difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms and Colon Cancer symptoms?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bleeding in stools, weight loss not seen in irritable bowels

Detailed Answer:
Also symptoms in IBS can vary from time to time but in colon cancer usually persistent

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng