Does frequent constipation easily lead to rectal cancer?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 12, 2025
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Constipation and colorectal cancer are two different diseases, but they are related. Frequent constipation can increase the risk of colorectal cancer because long-term constipation can lead to restricted toxin elimination from the body. Some of the foods we eat daily, including proteins, fats, and sugars, decompose in the intestine into substances like ammonia, benzene, and phenol, which have carcinogenic effects. Therefore, people who are frequently constipated may face an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Thus, to address frequent constipation, it is important to solve constipation issues. One's diet should be light, incorporating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and exercising more, to resolve the issues of constipation.

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What tests are used to check for rectal cancer?

When clinical symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation, changes in bowel habits, bloody stools, and abdominal pain occur, we should be vigilant about the possibility of rectal cancer. The examination for rectal cancer can start with a digital rectal exam, especially for low-lying rectal cancer, which is closer to the anus; these tumors can be detected through this method. Then, a colonoscopy should be performed to take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, which is the gold standard for confirmation. Additionally, blood tests for tumor markers can be conducted. Generally, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA199 levels may be elevated, but this is not absolute as their specificity and sensitivity are not very high. An enhanced CT scan of the abdomen can also be done. In such scans, we can see thickening of the intestinal wall where the tumor is located, and the enhancement can show the intensified thickening of the intestinal wall. Combining all these methods can confirm the diagnosis of rectal cancer.

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Can you eat edamame after rectal cancer surgery?

Patients with rectal cancer can eat edamame after surgery. However, they should pay attention to the following dietary advice post-surgery: First, eat less or avoid animal fats, which means limiting the intake of saturated fatty acids. Second, even the consumption of vegetable oils should be limited. Third, do not eat fried foods. Fourth, during cooking, oils should not be overheated. Fifth, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Can a colonoscopy detect colon and rectal cancer?

Colonoscopy can detect colon and rectal cancers. By conducting a colonoscopy, it can be determined whether a space-occupying lesion is in the colon or the rectum. In the workplace, it can also confirm the distance from the anus in centimeters, to guide the next steps of surgical treatment. If a colon or rectal tumor is found during colonoscopy, a pathological biopsy may be needed. Combined with the pathological biopsy, a diagnosis can be made whether the patient has colon cancer or rectal cancer. At the same time, colonoscopy can also detect other diseases, such as colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease of the colon, and so on.

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Is rectal cancer hereditary?

This answer is also possible, as one of the causes of any cancer includes the possibility of genetics. However, this possibility is generally small and not everyone is likely to have it. It also depends on the incidence of disease within the entire family. If one is in a high-risk category due to certain genetic factors, then it is crucial to have regular and thorough follow-up checks. Some people might even try treatments specifically targeting genetically inherited colorectal cancer.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Does frequent constipation easily lead to rectal cancer?

Constipation and colorectal cancer are two different diseases, but they are related. Frequent constipation can increase the risk of colorectal cancer because long-term constipation can lead to restricted toxin elimination from the body. Some of the foods we eat daily, including proteins, fats, and sugars, decompose in the intestine into substances like ammonia, benzene, and phenol, which have carcinogenic effects. Therefore, people who are frequently constipated may face an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Thus, to address frequent constipation, it is important to solve constipation issues. One's diet should be light, incorporating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and exercising more, to resolve the issues of constipation.