Constipation myth in Korea: Can it really lead to colon cancer?

gettyimagesbank

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com.

As constipation-related ads flood social media feeds with warnings of “bloated bellies full of toxins” and claims that “ignoring constipation will lead to serious illness,” many people are left wondering — does chronic constipation really increase the risk of colon cancer?

Medical experts say the short answer is no — there is currently no scientific evidence proving that constipation causes colon cancer.

No proven causal link

Some studies have found that colon polyps and colon cancer are discovered more frequently among patients with chronic constipation. However, experts stress that this does not mean constipation itself is the cause.

“People used to believe that if constipation is severe, the prolonged exposure of the colon to toxic substances in stools would increase cancer risk,” said Park Ji-won, a professor at Seoul National University Hospital’s colorectal surgery department. “But so far, no research has proven a causal relationship between constipation and colon cancer.”

When to seek medical attention

While constipation alone is not a confirmed risk factor, doctors advise seeking medical evaluation if constipation occurs alongside blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain. In such cases, an endoscopic examination may be necessary to rule out more serious conditions.

Preventing constipation

To prevent constipation, experts recommend maintaining a diet rich in fiber and drinking water throughout the day. Establishing regular bowel habits and incorporating physical activity into daily routines can also help promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of chronic constipation.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.