What is Flatulence?
Flatulence, also known as farting, is a natural process where gas is released from the digestive system through the anus. This gas is a byproduct of the body breaking down food in the digestive tract and from swallowing air while eating or drinking [1].
The gas released is usually a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and occasionally methane. On average, people experience flatulence between 13 and 21 times a day [1, 2] and can be caused by various factors. Consuming certain foods, such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, whole grains, and dairy products, can increase gas production. Additionally, swallowing more air than normal, which can occur when chewing gum, smoking, or eating or drinking too quickly, can contribute to flatulence [1].
In some cases, excessive flatulence may be a symptom of certain health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) [1].
What is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the large bowel, including the colon and rectum. Bowel cancer is a significant health concern worldwide and is the fourth most common cancer in England [3, 4]. In the United States, it is second in cancer incidence to lung cancer and is more common in countries with people in higher socio-economic levels [5].
The incidence of bowel cancer has doubled over the past 50 years, and although treatment outcomes have improved, 40% of those affected with the disease still die from it [6, 7]. Most cases are diagnosed when the cancer is already at an advanced stage, making early detection crucial for survival [8].
Bowel Cancer and Flatulence
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If you're experiencing persistent or severe flatulence, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. While it's likely to be caused by something other than bowel cancer, it's always best to get any persistent or worrying symptoms checked out.
Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer often starts with no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, several signs may become apparent. One of the most common symptoms is a notable change in bowel habits. This could mean experiencing frequent constipation or diarrhoea that doesn’t improve or noticing that the frequency or consistency of your bowel movements has changed [9].
Another symptom is the feeling of not being able to empty your bowels, even after going to the toilet. This can be accompanied by rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, which could give your stool a visible light or dark red colouring or a tarry appearance from dark blood [9].
Chronic abdominal pain or cramps are also common in the later stages of bowel cancer. This pain may be accompanied by severe bloating and pelvic pain. As the disease progresses, it may lead to bowel obstruction, causing nausea and vomiting. If you've vomited for more than 24 hours or if you can't tolerate any fluids, it's important to seek immediate medical care [9].
Unexplained weight loss and chronic fatigue are other symptoms to watch out for. These symptoms may be a sign of later stages of the disease and can be attributed to the effect of other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhoea, on your appetite [9].
Risk factors for Bowel Cancer
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are associated with an increased risk of developing bowel cancer [10, 11]. Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for the development of gastrointestinal malignancies in patients with IBD [12].
Screening offers the best chance of improving outcomes from bowel cancer. Focusing endoscopy resources on screening symptomless patients is a more realistic means of reducing the disease burden [13, 14].
Treatments for Bowel Cancer
In terms of treatment, the options depend on the cancer stage and the patient's overall health. Surgery is often the first line of treatment, aiming to remove the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. In some cases, targeted therapies and immunotherapy may enhance the body's immune system to fight the cancer cells. It's important to discuss with your healthcare provider to understand the best treatment options for you.