So it was nice eating and making merry with family, friends and loved ones. The food was delicious, and you had a generous couple of servings which you are thinking may be causing the discomfort you’re feeling moments after a Christmas dinner. Some of these could actually be subtle signs of major health conditions like cancer. The signs below are unlikely to be bode foul for your health, but you might want to be on the lookout for them.
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Gurgling stomach
One sign of colon cancer is the gurgling sound your stomach makes, according to Prime Health Denver. While this may not always be a sign of the cancer, if accompanied by any of these other symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately:
- Blood in your stool
- Excess gas
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Heartburn
- Unintended weight loss
Bloating
Cancer Research UK states that constant feeling of bloating could point to pancreatic cancer. This is so because it is likely to trigger digestive problems which could cause a build up of fluid in the abdomen as well as bloating. While bloating is oft-times not a cause for worry, it could also be a sign of ovarian cancer. According to Healthline:
Persistent bloating that doesn’t go away is actually one of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. Bloating that’s related to ovarian cancer may cause visible swelling in your abdomen. Your belly might feel full, puffy, or hard. You may also have other symptoms, like weight loss.
Fluttering tummy
A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2014, found that ahead of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, patients reported experiencing ‘pain’ and a ‘fluttering’ sensation beneath the ribs, The Sun wrote. Lisa Woodrow, Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse at Pancreatic Cancer UK, is quoted by the news outlet as saying:
We don’t frequently hear people talk about a fluttering sensation in their abdomen, but this could be related to digestive issues caused by the pancreas not working properly.
While these are symptoms of some cancers, they are often times signs of other minor health conditions. If they are accompanied by other noticeable changes in your daily life and general wellbeing, you should see a doctor.
Sources used:
Cancer Research UK: Pancreatic Cancer
Health Line: Is Bloating a Sign of Ovarian Cancer?
Prime Health Denver: Stomach Growling? 11 Remedies [Plus, Why It Happens]
The Sun: The 4 cancer symptoms you might notice after eating Christmas dinner
