Digestive issues are very prevalent these days among people worldwide. Be it any digestive issue, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can be very problematic for any person. Sometimes people get confused, whether it is IBS or could it be colon cancer! As most of the symptoms are the same for both diseases. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between IBS and colon cancer, including their symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and when you should seek medical attention. Plus, we’ll explain how August’s WhatsApp Health Assistant can support you in managing digestive symptoms and help you navigate these health concerns.

What Is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the way the gut works without showing any externally visible signs of disease or damage, but it mostly gives pain or cramps in the abdomen. IBS often involves symptoms like:

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Bloating and gas

• Diarrhea, onstipation, or both (alternating)

• Mucus in the stool

IBS is chronic but not life-threatening, and it doesn't increase your risk of more serious diseases like colon cancer. The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, but there are various triggers such as stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and gut infections. It’s thought to result from a combination of issues, such as gut-brain axis dysfunction, gut motility problems, and heightened sensitivity in the intestines.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer occurs when an abnormal amount of cell growth happens at the abdominal cell lines. Initially, symptoms are very hard to detect for colon cancer. Colon cancer detection is very hard because its symptoms are very common with irritable bowel syndrome.  

• Blood in the stool 

• Change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)

• Abdominal pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely

Key Differences in Symptoms Between IBS and Colon Cancer

Blood in the stool

If you ever notice blood in the stool, remember it’s not normal in IBS. It might be a symptom of colon cancer. This feature distinguishes between IBS & colon cancer.

Unexplained weight loss

In IBS, patient’s don’t typically notice weight loss. But in colon cancer, people do notice unexplained weight loss. 

Fatigue

IBS can cause stress-related fatigue. But colon cancer causes fatigue due to blood loss (anemia) or the energy drained due to cancer. 

Onset of symptoms

IBS symptoms usually change based on triggers such as foods, stress or hormonal changes. Cancer symptoms worsen over time and become more consistent over time.

Risk Factors: IBS vs. Colon Cancer

IBS Risk Factors

• Gender: IBS is more common in women than in men.

• Age: IBS can develop at any age.

• Diet and Lifestyle: Stress and dietary habits (such as consuming fatty or spicy foods) can trigger IBS symptoms.

• Mental Health: Anxiety and depression can make it worse due to the gut-brain connection.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

• Age: Colon cancer risk increases significantly after the age of 50.

• Family History: A family history of colon cancer or polyps increases your risk.

• Diet: A diet high in red or processed meats, low in fiber, and excessive alcohol consumption are linked to a higher risk.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Unlike IBS, which doesn’t cause colon cancer, chronic inflammation from IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) can increase the risk of colon cancer.

Diagnostic Differences

Diagnosing IBS

There are no such particular tests available for diagnosing IBS. It can be diagnosed by analysing medical history. Your doctor may ask for tests such as:

• Blood tests to rule out celiac disease

• Stool tests to check for infections or inflammation

• Colonoscopy if symptoms are severe or don’t respond to treatment to rule out other causes like IBD or cancer

Diagnosing Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is usually diagnosed through screening tests like:

• Colonoscopy: A procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your colon and rectum for polyps or tumors.

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): This test checks for hidden blood in your stool, which could indicate cancer.

• CT Colonography: Also known as a virtual colonoscopy, this imaging test uses X-rays to look for signs of cancer.

If cancer is found, further tests (such as biopsies or imaging scans) are used to determine the stage of the disease.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you’re experiencing digestive issues and you are confused whether or not it’s IBS or colon cancer, it’s very important to seek medical guidance. 

• Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistent changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks

• Severe, explained abdominal pain

Even if you have mild symptoms that seem mild or align with IBS, it’s always better to check on the side of caution, especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history of colon cancer.

How August’s WhatsApp Health Assistant Can Help

August’s WhatsApp Health Assistant is here to provide personalized guidance by helping you track your symptoms, understand your risk factors, and decide when to seek further medical advice.

• Get answers to your digestive health questions. Whether you're wondering about symptoms of IBS or the risks of colon cancer, our health assistant can provide reliable information.

• Track your symptoms over time. Keep a record of your bowel habits, abdominal pain, and other symptoms to share with a healthcare provider.

• Receive personalized advice. Based on your symptoms and health history, you can receive tailored recommendations about when to seek medical attention.

Conclusion

While IBS and colon cancer can have overlapping symptoms, they are very different conditions that require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Being aware of the key differences in symptoms—like blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue—can help you determine when to seek medical advice.

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Chat with August’s Health Assistant on WhatsApp for personalized advice on managing digestive symptoms and understanding the difference between IBS and colon cancer.