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Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Bowel symptoms in an apparently well population
Many adults experience bowel symptoms like pain and incomplete evacuation. Public education on checking for blood in the toilet bowl could aid early colorectal cancer detection.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer screening is crucial for early detection.
- Understanding the prevalence of potential colorectal cancer symptoms in the general population is important for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of bowel behaviors and symptoms suggestive of colorectal cancer in a community-based sample.
- To assess the frequency of self-reported symptoms like abdominal pain, incomplete evacuation, and rectal bleeding.
Main Methods:
- A probability sample of 330 households in Sydney was surveyed.
- 202 adults aged 30 and older completed interviews regarding their bowel habits and symptoms over the preceding six months.
Main Results:
- 8% reported abdominal pain, 19% incomplete evacuation, and 14% blood on toilet paper.
- Only 2% reported blood in the toilet bowl.
- Among those who regularly inspected their stool, 3.1% reported seeing blood.
Conclusions:
- Symptoms potentially indicative of colorectal cancer are common in seemingly healthy adults.
- Blood in the toilet bowl may be a more specific indicator than general rectal bleeding.
- Public education promoting regular stool inspection could improve early detection of colorectal cancer.
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