Harvard and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi says persistent gut issues like bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and blood in stool should never be ignored, especially as colorectal cancer cases rise among younger women.
When it comes to gut health, many people tend to dismiss early digestive symptoms as minor inconveniences or temporary lifestyle issues. However, health experts are warning that persistent gut-related problems may be far more serious than they appear and, in some cases, could signal the early stages of colon cancer.
Dr Saurabh Sethi has cautioned that symptoms such as bloating, constipation, irregular bowel habits, and unexplained digestive discomfort are often ignored, especially by women, despite being potential warning signs of underlying gastrointestinal disorders.
In a recent Instagram post, the gastroenterologist highlighted how commonly these symptoms are overlooked until they progress into more severe health conditions.
“Most women ignore these gut signs… until they turn into disease,” Dr Sethi wrote.
According to the doctor, women are significantly more likely than men to experience chronic digestive issues. He revealed that nearly 70 per cent of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients he sees in clinical practice every week are women.
He further explained that women are almost twice as likely as men to suffer from chronic constipation, while regular bloating affects nearly 30 per cent of women.
Colon Cancer Cases Rising Among Younger Adults
Dr Sethi also raised concern over the increasing number of colorectal cancer cases among adults under the age of 50. He noted that the rise is happening at a faster rate among women, making early recognition of symptoms extremely important.
The specialist warned that many digestive symptoms are casually labelled as “just IBS” without proper medical evaluation, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions.
“Your gut symptoms deserve attention, not dismissal,” he said, stressing that the body often sends warning signals long before a disease becomes severe.
Gut Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
The doctor advised seeking medical attention if any of the following symptoms persist:
- Bloating that does not go away
- Blood in stool, even occasionally
- Unexplained weight loss
- New constipation lasting more than two to three weeks
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Sudden changes in bowel habits
According to Dr Sethi, ignoring these symptoms can allow underlying digestive disorders or cancers to progress silently.
Why Women Often Ignore Digestive Problems
Experts say many women normalise digestive discomfort due to stress, hormonal changes, poor eating habits, or busy lifestyles. As a result, symptoms are frequently self-managed with home remedies or ignored altogether.
However, doctors emphasise that persistent gastrointestinal issues should always be evaluated, particularly if symptoms become frequent, painful, or disruptive to daily life.
Importance Of Early Diagnosis
Medical professionals say early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes for colon cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. Lifestyle factors such as low-fibre diets, processed foods, stress, lack of physical activity, and poor gut health may also contribute to rising digestive disorders.
Doctors recommend maintaining a balanced diet rich in fibre, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and consulting a specialist if symptoms continue for an extended period.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.