A 21-year-old member asked:
Is colon cancer associated with irritable bowel syndrome?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Eric Kaplananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 43 years experience
Not really: Except many of the symptoms of IBS could actually be indicative of a colon cancer and many dietary irregularities associated with IBS can themselves increase your risk for colon cacner development. Ibs should be a diagnosis of excluding more serious diagnoses.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Terry Simpsonanswered
General Surgery 36 years experience
No: But they may have similar symptoms so never assume it is ibs.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Keshab Paudelanswered
Internal Medicine 20 years experience
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
Can irritable bowel syndrome cause colon cancer?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Eric Kaplananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 43 years experience
Depends: Except many of the symptoms of IBS could actually be indicative of a colon cancer and many dietary irregularities associated with IBS can themselves increase your risk for colon cacner development. Ibs should be a diagnosis of excluding more serious diagnoses.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Myron Arlenanswered
Surgical Oncology 65 years experience
IBS has no lesion: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits. Including Diarrhea or constipation. Compared to colon canceer which can present with similar features IBS has no specific lesion causing the symptoms .It has been theorised that abnormalities in GUT flora (microbiome) result in inflammation and altered bowel function. Any bowel lesion causing the symptoms can be identified on colonoscopy
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 37-year-old member asked:
Does irritable bowel syndrome eventually lead to colon cancer?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ronald Klineanswered
Specializes in Colon and Rectal Surgery
No: Ibs does not lead to colon cancer. However, IBS type symptoms may obscure symptoms of colon cancer. So any change in your symptoms should be discussed with your doctor.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Can somebody's colon cancer mimic irritable bowel syndrome symptoms?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Uyedaanswered
General Surgery 46 years experience
Sometimes yes: Consult your doctor about your risks of cancer. Only way to know for sure is to get colonoscopy.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 15, 2015
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