IBS vs. Colon Cancer: How to Spot the Difference

The human digestive system is intricate and involves multiple components, including the stomach and intestines, making diagnosis of related issues challenging. The complexity increases due to the presence of numerous digestive diseases and disorders that share similar symptoms. Notably, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colon cancer are often confused. This analysis aims to clarify the distinctions between IBS and colon cancer to aid in accurate identification.

What is IBS?

According to Medical News Today, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that impacts the gastrointestinal tract with chronic and sporadic symptoms. IBS primarily disrupts bowel function, leading to abdominal pain and variations in bowel movements, ranging from diarrhea to constipation or both. Notably, IBS induces these symptoms without causing any visible damage to the digestive tract. While the exact cause remains unclear, stress, anxiety, and specific foods are frequently identified as triggers for IBS symptoms.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer originates in the colon or rectum, key components of the lower digestive system, as noted by Healthline. The American Cancer Society (ACS) identifies it as the third most prevalent cancer diagnosis in the United States, following skin cancer. In 2021, the ACS projected that 104,270 individuals would be diagnosed with colon cancer. Consequently, healthcare experts advise routine colorectal cancer screenings for adults over the age of 50.

Signs and Symptoms of IBS

Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) experience varying symptoms. According to Medical News Today, common symptoms include abdominal pain associated with bowel movements and alterations in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both. Additional symptoms may include the presence of white mucus in the stool, a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation, and bloating. It is also noted that some women may experience intensified symptoms during menstruation.

How to Diagnose IBS

To diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), according to Healthline, a physician will review your medical history—covering medications, recent infections, and diet—as well as any personal or familial instances of celiac disease, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease. A physical examination will follow to identify signs of abdominal bloating and tenderness. The diagnosis process involves assessing symptom patterns, particularly abdominal pain along with two or more additional symptoms. Though not always necessary, further testing may be required to exclude other conditions. These tests can include blood tests to detect infections, anemia, and other digestive issues, or stool tests to check for infections, blood, and other diseases.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer poses a significant concern due to its often asymptomatic nature in the early stages. According to Medical News Today, symptoms may take several years to manifest. Furthermore, the American Cancer Society (ACS) indicates that various other conditions can exhibit symptoms similar to those of colon cancer, making a thorough medical evaluation crucial to accurately diagnose and exclude other potential causes. The most prevalent symptoms of colon cancer, as identified by Medical News Today, include:

How to Diagnose Colon Cancer

When evaluating a patient, similar to the approach for IBS, a physician will first review the individual's personal and family medical history. According to Healthline, they are specifically looking for key risk factors such as colorectal polyps, Crohn’s disease, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a family history of colorectal cancer, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), physical inactivity, poor diet, type 2 diabetes, and/or ulcerative colitis. The physician will conduct a physical examination and may order additional tests, including blood and stool tests. If there is a suspicion of cancer, a colonoscopy and tissue biopsy, along with imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans of the colon and rectum, may be performed.

Comparison Between the Two

Although IBS and colon cancer exhibit many similar symptoms, they have key differences. According to WebMD, early-stage colon cancer typically presents no symptoms, often remaining undetected until the disease has progressed and spread. In contrast, IBS symptoms manifest only during flare-ups. Additionally, while both conditions share certain symptoms, colon cancer uniquely includes persistent symptoms lasting more than a few days, presence of blood in the stool or on toilet paper, fatigue, weakness, narrow stools, difficulty completing bowel movements, rectal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss.

Can IBS Lead to Colon Cancer?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), unlike irritable bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, does not have the potential to lead to colon cancer, according to Medical News Today. Although IBS can cause significant discomfort and pain, it does not result in inflammation or damage to the gastrointestinal tract. WebMD explains that colon cancer typically begins as a polyp, a small growth in the intestine. While not all polyps become cancerous, it is advisable to remove them as a preventive measure against colon cancer. WebMD emphasizes that early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of curing colon cancer.

Similarities Between IBS and Other Cancers

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) presents symptoms that overlap with various cancers, including but not limited to colorectal cancer. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, gastrointestinal malignancies such as stomach, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers can also manifest similar symptoms. Notably, colorectal cancer is of particular concern due to its prevalence and severity. It is the most frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer and ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

IBS Risk Factors

Individuals may occasionally experience symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or an upset stomach, but these instances do not necessarily indicate the presence of IBS. According to the Mayo Clinic, IBS is more prevalent among younger individuals (under age 50) and is particularly common in women in the United States. Women who have undergone estrogen therapy, either before or after menopause, are at a higher risk. Additional risk factors include a family history of IBS, which may suggest a genetic component or environmental influences shared within families. Furthermore, individuals with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions are also at an increased risk of developing IBS.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Certain risk factors for colon cancer are within our control, while others are not. For instance, modifiable behaviors include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and moderating alcohol consumption. Conversely, factors such as age, genetics, and ethnicity cannot be changed. Johns Hopkins Medicine highlights that age is the most common risk factor, with the majority of cases occurring in individuals over 50 years old. Additionally, African Americans and individuals of Eastern European Jewish descent face higher risks. It is crucial to be aware of family history related to colon cancer, especially if an immediate family member (such as a parent, sibling, or child) has been diagnosed. Similarly, personal or familial history of polyps and inherited genetic conditions should be considered. For those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), early and frequent screenings for colon and rectal cancer are recommended by experts. In summary, to mitigate the risk of colon cancer, focus on controllable lifestyle factors and remain vigilant about familial health history.

When to See a Doctor

Health experts recommend routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer may need to begin screenings earlier. Occasional abdominal discomfort or constipation does not typically necessitate a doctor's visit unless symptoms persist or worsen. Immediate medical attention is advised if you experience rectal bleeding, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss. During a medical consultation, potential cancer risk factors will be reviewed. According to Medical News Today, any concerning signs may result in further diagnostic procedures, such as a CT scan or colonoscopy. Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) should be thoroughly assessed to rule out Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), an autoimmune condition that can elevate the risk of colon cancer.