Should you be concerned about colorectal cancer if you have difficulty passing gas?
Jul 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
Difficulty in passing gas does not necessarily mean you have developed colorectal cancer. If difficulty in排气 (gas passage) is caused by dietary habits, indigestion, gas accumulation in the intestines, or mild gastrointestinal dysfunction, it is not directly associated with colorectal cancer, and there is no need for excessive concern. However, if difficulty in排气 occurs simultaneously with symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, or black stools, it may indicate colorectal cancer.
Generally speaking, flatulence refers to the discharge of intestinal gas. Whether difficulty in passing gas should raise concerns about colorectal cancer depends on the specific circumstances. If the symptom occurs only occasionally without other noticeable discomfort, it generally has no direct association with colorectal cancer. However, if the symptom persists for a prolonged period and is accompanied by typical symptoms of colorectal cancer, it may indicate the presence of the disease. If you experience any discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:
If the inability to pass gas occurs only occasionally and is not accompanied by other obvious symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits or stool appearance, abdominal pain, weight loss, etc., and the symptom tends to appear after eating excessive gas-producing foods, exposure of the abdomen to cold, or experiencing high psychological stress and emotional tension recently, then the symptom usually does not indicate colorectal cancer. In such cases, the difficulty in passing gas can usually be quickly relieved through adjustments in diet, keeping the abdomen warm, relaxing, and engaging in appropriate physical activity.
If there is a persistent inability to pass gas, especially when accompanied by typical symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, weight loss, or an abdominal mass, then colorectal cancer should be considered as a possibility. This is because colorectal cancer may cause intestinal obstruction, preventing gas from passing through the intestines normally, which can lead to symptoms such as abdominal distension and inability to expel gas. In such situations, prompt medical evaluation is recommended, including diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy, blood tests, CT scans, or X-rays, to determine whether colorectal cancer is present.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits in daily life, including a balanced diet, moderate physical activity, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, and regular sleep patterns, contributes to overall health.
