Why you shouldn’t ignore recurring ‘gastric pain’

Numerous Malaysians dismiss persistent stomach issues as mere gastritis and self-medicate, but medical professionals caution that this approach could conceal far more serious health concerns. Dr. Nurhashim Haron, a surgeon, points out that roughly 40-50% of colorectal cancer patients he sees had initially thought their symptoms were gastritis.

Regrettably, many are already in advanced stages when diagnosed, with more younger individuals falling victim to the disease. Colonoscopy revealed a tumour in the patient's transverse colon, while a CT scan confirmed the cancer had advanced. Once diagnosed, he underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Dr. Thamarai Velan highlights that gallstones and pancreatitis may share similar symptoms with gastritis, causing many to overlook the true cause.

Patients often experience heartburn, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort, which they attribute to gastritis. However, half of these cases are due to other conditions. Symptoms like blood or mucus in stool, persistent diarrhea, constipation, narrowed stools, and unexplained changes in bowel habits are early warning signs of colorectal cancer.

Delayed medical attention, due to embarrassment or fear of procedures, exacerbates the problem. While stomach discomfort is typically linked to digestive issues, it can also stem from gallstones or pancreatitis. Gallstone pain often manifests as sharp, right-sided abdominal pain, potentially spreading to the back, while pancreatitis may trigger nausea, vomiting, or jaundice.

Both specialists emphasize that recurring digestive symptoms should not be disregarded merely because symptoms subside temporarily after medication. Early diagnosis, when colorectal cancer is detected, often results in simpler, more effective treatments with a higher chance of recovery.