Ever experienced that awkward moment when your stomach starts growling in the middle of work or while you are studying? Most people would take it as a sign to eat. But what if it was something more serious?
If you have persistent stomach noises that are abnormally loud, you may be at risk of developing bowel cancer. It is a type of cancer that affects the intestines, rectum, or anus. While stomach noises are not the most direct indication of cancer, they are still a sign that you should go for a checkup.
Read on to find out how stomach noises can be a sign of bowel cancer, and what you should do if you have them.
Table of Contents
ToggleUnderstanding Bowel Cancer
The bowel is part of the gastrointestinal tract responsible for digesting and absorbing food. It is made up of the small bowel (small intestines) and large bowel (large intestines, rectum, and anus). Bowel cancer can also be referred to as:
- Large bowel / Colon cancer (large intestines)
- Rectal cancer (rectum)
- Colorectal cancer (large intestines and rectum)
- Anal cancer (anus)
- Small bowel cancer (small intestines)
Bowel cancer takes decades to develop and show visible signs. The development typically begins with the benign growth of polyps (tiny bumps) along the colon or rectum lining, and later into the walls. Overtime, the polyps may turn cancerous and start spreading to the surrounding lymph nodes and other organs such as the liver.
Stages
This process determines the staging of bowel cancer, which describes the severity of the condition. Based on the grading, physicians can provide the most suitable treatment:
- Stage I: Tumour growth is limited to the bowel wall inner lining only
- Stage II: Cancer has spread to the outer surface of bowel wall
- Stage III: Tumour growth is observed in the lymph nodes (lymphomas)
- Stage IV: Cancer has metastasised to other organs like the liver and lungs
Types
The type of cancer cells and where it had originated can also determine which treatment is optimal for recovery:
- Adenocarcinoma: Cancer growth begins in the gland cells of the bowel lining, which produces mucus to help the stool pass through the bowel easily. This is the most common type of bowel cancer.
- Squamous cell cancer: Cancer growth is located in the skin cells of the bowel lining.
- Lymphomas: These are found in the lymph tissues along the bowel, which produce a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes that protects our body during infections.
Risk Factors
While bowel cancer can happen to anyone, there are several risk factors:
- Aged 50 years old and above
- Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption
- High consumption of red, processed meat
- Low fibre intake
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of bowel cancer or growth of polyps
- History of gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Do note that having one or more of these factors does not mean you will get bowel cancer. They could also be signs of other diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bowel cancer is usually asymptomatic in its earlier stages, with more distinctive signs appearing in the later stages including:
- Rectal bleeding
- Stools are softer or in a thin, ribbon-like shape
- Changes in bowel habits e.g. constipation or diarrhoea
- Abdominal or rectal pain
- Unexplained weight loss and/or fatigue
- Frequent stomach gurgling noises
Exploring the Causes of Stomach Noises
Stomach noises (borborygmus) like mild rumbling or loud gurgling are normal signs that your food moving through the gastrointestinal tract.
But how does our gastrointestinal tract produce noises? After a meal, your stomach and intestinal muscles will contract and relax via a process called peristalsis to move food, digestive juices, and air through the digestive tract. These muscle movements cause the gurgling noises that you may hear after you have eaten. Our digestive juices contain enzymes that help to break down our food, releasing gas which contributes to stomach noises as well.
This also holds true for when we are hungry. Our brain releases an appetite-inducing hormone called ghrelin to stimulate stomach and intestinal contraction, signalling us that we need to eat. Stomach noises from hunger are usually louder as the digestive tract is empty, increasing the echo effect of the gurgling sounds.
Digestive noises are normal when they occur during your regular mealtimes or after a meal. However, if you notice frequent, loud gurgling noises, they could indicate some underlying health conditions:
- Food intolerance or allergy e.g lactose, gluten
- Stress: Affects the balance of healthy gut bacteria, affecting digestion which can cause stomach noises
- Gastrointestinal conditions e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome etc
If your stomach noises are accompanied by other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain and bowel movement issues, you should get a checkup.
Does Bowel Cancer Cause Stomach Noises?
Stomach noises are used as a diagnostic aid for bowel mobility, which can be affected by gastrointestinal problems including cancer. Some patients with bowel cancer have experienced abnormal stomach gurgling. However, what is more common among bowel cancer patients are changes in bowel movement and blood in their stool.
Currently, there is no exact explanation for the connection between bowel cancer and stomach noises. However, studies have found a correlation between bowel obstruction and hyperactive bowel sounds. The tumour along the intestinal tract may obstruct the passage of the digested food. Hence, the intestinal muscles have to contract harder to help the food bypass the tumour blockage, leading to louder stomach sounds.
Another possible explanation is the inflammation of the intestinal tract as the immune system fights off the cancer cells. Inflammation can narrow the intestines’ passageway, which further obstructs the movement of digested food. Additionally, inflammation disrupts the balance of healthy gut bacteria, leading to a buildup of gases and digestive juices that cause loud rumbling sounds and bloating.
When Are Stomach Noises a Sign of Bowel Cancer?
Stomach noises alone are not enough to diagnose bowel cancer. It can also be indicative of other gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, food allergy, and more.
Instead, watch out for other accompanying signs such as blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain. If you experience these symptoms, go for a screening as soon as possible for a more definitive diagnosis.
Importance of Early Detection and Screening
In Singapore, colorectal cancer was the top 3 most common cancers for both men and women, with more than 1500 cases diagnosed per year. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Singapore. This could be because bowel cancer does not present any signs until its later stages when it is harder to treat. Hence, regular screening is the most reliable way to detect early stages of bowel cancer. An early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis of the condition. This is especially important for people aged 50 and above or who have a family history of bowel cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions.
At the Centre of Screening and Surgery, we offer various screening methods to optimise the physician’s and patient’s understanding of their condition, which helps to narrow down the most suitable treatment. The main screening methods include:
- Physical examination: The doctor will first feel your abdomen for any swelling and pain upon pressure. To examine problems in the rectum and anus, they may insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the anus to check for lumps or swelling. If you feel uncomfortable, let your doctor know. However, this process should not be painful.
- Colonoscopy: Involves the insertion of a long tube called a colonoscope through the anus. It is attached to a tiny camera that allows the physician to visualise any abnormalities along the colon including polyps and inflammation. To clean the bowel, you may be required to take laxatives before the examination. Air and water may also be injected to clean the colon. A small sample of tissue may be removed (biopsy) for further lab analysis. You will be sedated during the procedure, and every step will be taken with care to maximise your comfort.
- CT / MRI scan: If colonoscopy is not suitable for the patient, visualisation of the colon can also be performed outside the body. MRI and CT scans capture images of the colon using radio waves and X-rays respectively. Doctors will then analyse the images to check for polyps or other abnormal growth.
- Immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT): Occult blood are small amounts of blood in the stool not visible to the naked eye. iFOBT can detect the presence of occult blood using specific antibodies that bind to red blood cells. While this test only tells you that there is bleeding in the colon, further tests like a colonoscopy will be required to narrow down the exact cause. This test requires you to submit a small sample of stool, which will be sent to the lab for analysis.
Addressing Concerns and Seeking Medical Advice
If you experience stomach noises accompanied by abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and changes in bowel movements, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. There is no judgement about wanting to safeguard your health – feel free to discuss any symptoms or concerns you may have with your doctor. The optimal window for successful treatment is often missed because people dismiss these warning signs or are too embarrassed to go for a screening.
Thankfully, with the advancements in technology for cancer treatment, there is a positive prognosis for bowel cancer especially if they are detected in the early stages. Currently, there are a range of treatment methods that your physicians may deploy based on the type of bowel cancer you have.
- Chemotherapy: Involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. They can be taken before or after surgery to shrink the tumour or to remove any remaining cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy: It involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Surgery: Colostomy and ileostomy remove part of the colon and ileum (upper portion of the small intestine) where the tumour is found. Minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy may be performed if the tumour is not too large.
- Targeted therapy: There is an increasing focus on targeted therapy. Unlike chemotherapy and radiotherapy which are non-specific, targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth to minimise killing healthy cells.
Of course, prevention is the best treatment. While you cannot avoid certain inherited traits, you can still modify lifestyle habits to minimise the risk of developing bowel cancer. Avoid drinking, smoking, and excessive consumption of red meat such as beef and lamb, which are high in saturated fats. Instead, incorporate healthier options like fruits and vegetables into your meals. Move your body regularly and maintain a healthy weight for better cardiovascular and digestive health.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing frequent, loud stomach gurgling or rumbling, it may not be as simple as hunger pangs or digestion. Seek help from a professional immediately, especially if you have other symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.
We are responsible for our well-being. Take note of any changes in your body, and practice healthy habits to maximise your digestive health. If you are at risk of developing bowel cancer, make sure to go for a screening regularly.
Protect Your Health Today
If you suspect that you may have bowel cancer, feel free to visit us at the Centre for Screening and Surgery. Our clinic specializes in cancer screening and treatment of cancers at an early stage with minimally invasive procedures. Call us to book an appointment today!