Gut Doctor: Are Holiday Bloat Signs Cancer?

During the festive period, increased consumption of rich foods and drinks often leads to bloating and changes in bowel habits, symptoms commonly dismissed as mere consequences of overindulgence. However, a gastroenterologist cautions that these may also be indicators of bowel cancer, a disease that is far more treatable when diagnosed early.

Persistent bloating, particularly when not linked to specific trigger foods, along with a feeling of ongoing abdominal fullness, warrants medical attention. Furthermore, changes in bowel regularity, such as increased frequency or urgency, or the sensation of incomplete emptying, that last for weeks without returning to normal, can be significant warning signs.

Other critical indicators highlighted include unusual and prolonged fatigue, which could stem from anemia due to slow blood loss, and rectal bleeding. Unexplained weight loss or a persistent feeling of fullness even after small meals, known as early satiety, are also reasons to seek professional medical advice to rule out serious conditions.