Excessive gas is not usually a sign of colon or intestinal cancer. In most cases, it is related to more common issues such as constipation, poor diet, lack of physical activity, or unhealthy eating habits, like eating too quickly.
Gas buildup can also result from eating certain foods that naturally increase gas production, including beans, grains, and fiber-rich vegetables such as cabbage.
It is uncommon for colon cancer to cause gas as the only symptom. When cancer is involved, it is more likely to appear alongside other signs, such as:
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Frequent diarrhea
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Constipation
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Blood in the stool
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Unexplained weight loss
Excessive gas is more often linked to other conditions. Some examples include:
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Food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten intolerance
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
If excessive gas occurs more often than usual or is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool, it is important to see a gastroenterologist to determine the cause and start the appropriate treatment if needed.