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.
