The common phenomenon is often linked to eating and drinking habits but if it persists it could be a sign of something more sinister
A common symptom in the stomach could actually signal three potentially deadly cancers, experts have warned. This sign could be easily dismissed as something else but might warrant further investigation.
There are more than 200 forms of cancer that affect the human body. The disease occurs when abnormal cells divide and spread in an uncontrolled way.
Symptoms typically relate to the part of the body that is affected, although in some cases, they can be vague or mistaken for other ailments. Early detection is also key, as the sooner a symptom is found, the sooner you can seek the treatment you need.
Bloating is one such symptom that could initially be attributed to something else. Usually, bloating is a short-term issue caused by eating too fast, swallowing too much air, or eating certain gassy foods, among other mainly harmless triggers.
However, if your bloating isn’t linked to any of these causes or “won’t go away”, it could be time to speak to a GP. Cancer Research UK warns that bloating is a potential symptom of three different types of cancer.
Bowel cancer
In some cases, bloating could be a sign of bowel cancer, the fourth most common type of cancer in the UK. This will occur if the disease has blocked the bowel – known as a bowel obstruction.
The disease can also cause a pain or lump in the tummy. If you are experiencing a bowel obstruction, you could also have:
- Cramping pains in the abdomen
- Constipation and being unable to pass wind
- Sickness.
A bowel obstruction is a medical emergency which requires immediate treatment. Other symptoms of bowel cancer include:
- Bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in your poo
- A change in your normal bowel habit, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation
- A lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or tummy (abdomen)
- A feeling of needing to strain in your back passage (as if you need to poo), even after opening your bowels
- Losing weight when you haven’t been trying to
- Pain in your abdomen or back passage
- Tiredness and breathlessness caused by a lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia).
Cancer Research UK says: “Go to see your GP if you are worried about any of the symptoms mentioned above. Remember these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. Many of these are much less serious than cancer, such as piles (haemorrhoids), infections or inflammatory bowel disease.”
Stomach cancer
Cancer Research UK warns that bloating can be caused by “advanced” stomach cancer. This occurs if the disease spreads to the tissue lining the abdomen.
The charity explains: “The swelling is due to a build up of fluid called ascites. It can make your clothes feel tighter. Your tummy might feel bloated. You might also find it difficult to sit comfortably or to move around.”
- Other symptoms of stomach cancer include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Black poo which contains blood (melaena)
- Feeling and being sick
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling tired.
Ovarian cancer
According to Cancer Research UK, symptoms of this disease can be “vague”. However, a swollen tummy is one of the most common signs to look out for.
“Feeling bloated or an increase in the size of your tummy that doesn’t go away can be a symptom of ovarian cancer,” the charity says. Other symptoms to look out for include:
- Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Urinary changes
- Tiredness
- Bowel changes
- Weight loss and feeling sick
- Indigestion
- Vaginal bleeding.
But it is important to remember that these are also symptoms of other less serious conditions. Cancer Research UK adds: “You should see your doctor if you have symptoms that are unusual for you or won’t go away. Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer, but it is important to get them checked by a doctor.”
