Bowel Incontinence Guide: Is Bowel Leakage A Sign of Cancer?

Bowel incontinence (faecal incontinence), is the loss of bowel control, leading to involuntary stool leakages. This condition can range from occasionally leaking a small quantity of stool while passing gas to having a complete loss of bowel control. 

Causes

The causes of bowel incontinence are varied, including nerve damage, muscle damage, or both. Conditions such as diabetes, childbirth, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or spinal injuries can impair the nerves or muscles controlling bowel movements. Chronic constipation can also contribute to this condition by stretching and weakening the muscles meant to hold stool, leading to what is known as overflow incontinence.

While bowel leakage itself is not a definitive sign of cancer, it can be accompanied by other symptoms that are more serious. Bowel incontinence paired with symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, or visible blood in the stool should prompt an immediate medical consultation with a healthcare professional.

Symptoms of bowel leakage

Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as ongoing diarrhoea or constipation, can indicate colon cancer, especially if accompanied by signs of blood in the stool. These symptoms necessitate further medical evaluation, as they may hint at the presence of tumours in the colon. 

Causes of bowel leakage

Muscle or nerve impairments are common culprits behind bowel leakage. Such damage can be due to:

• Childbirth: Vaginal deliveries can damage the muscles or nerves around the anus, leading to faecal incontinence.

• Ageing: As we age, the muscles and nerves that help control bowel movements can weaken, increasing the risk of leakage.

• Chronic conditions: Diseases like diabetes or multiple sclerosis can affect nerve function, exacerbating incontinence.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Disorders like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause significant bowel distress, leading to incontinence.

• Radiation therapy: Treatment for other cancers can inadvertently cause inflammation in the bowel, contributing to leakage.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This common disorder can disrupt bowel habits, increasing the risk of incontinence, and is often long term, causing many to wonder, how long does irritable bowel syndrome last?

• Gastrointestinal obstruction: Blockages in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to overflow incontinence, where stool leaks past a blockage.

While bowel leakage is not typically a direct indicator of colon cancer, it can be associated with the disease in certain contexts. If bowel leakage is persistent, worsens over time, or is accompanied by other symptoms like rectal bleeding or abdominal pain, seek professional advice immediately.

When to see a healthcare professional

It's crucial to seek medical advice if:

• Bowel leakage is accompanied by other alarming symptoms like abdominal pain or rectal bleeding.

• The leakage has started suddenly and persists or worsens over time.

• There is a significant impact on your quality of life, including social interactions and daily activities.

Diagnosis of bowel leakage

Upon having a medical appointment with your healthcare professional, they will begin a thorough diagnosis to determine the root cause of bowel leakage, and whether it could be tied to bowel incontinence or something more serious. Any of the following tests below will help to develop an understanding of the causes:

• Rectal examination: This initial assessment checks for abnormalities, damage, or infections in the anal and rectal areas.

• Anorectal manometry: By inserting a flexible tube with a balloon into the rectum, this test measures the pressure and function of the anal sphincter muscles, providing insight into the structural and functional integrity of the lower digestive tract.

• Imaging studies: Techniques such as MRI or endoanal ultrasound offer detailed images of the anal and rectal structures, helping to identify specific issues like muscle tears or internal damage that might not be apparent during a physical examination.

Lifestyle changes

After visiting your healthcare professional, they will request that you manage all forms of bowel movements and leakages for the next few weeks to see if effects lessen or worsen. In order for this to work, you may be required to follow the instructions listed below.

• Medications: To manage symptoms, healthcare professionals might prescribe medications that control diarrhoea or laxatives to alleviate constipation.

• Dietary changes: A fibre-rich diet can regulate bowel movements and reduce incidents of leakage, while avoiding foods that trigger symptoms.

• Bowel training: This method involves scheduled toilet visits and exercises designed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve anal sphincter control.

• Biofeedback therapy: This technique uses electronic devices to monitor the muscle activity around the anus, teaching patients to improve their control.

• Surgery: For severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical options like sphincter repair or replacement may be considered.

• Regular exercise: Engaging in physical activity strengthens the muscles involved in bowel control and helps overall digestive health.

• Stress management: Effective stress management can alleviate symptoms associated with bowel leakage, as stress can exacerbate the condition. Learn about stress indigestion symptoms and what conditions this can provoke.

• Regular screening: Early detection through regular screening, such as colonoscopies, increases the likelihood of successful treatment.

• Limit alcohol consumption: Reducing alcohol intake can decrease the risk of various cancers, including colon cancer, since alcohol can impact bladder and bowel health greatly.

• Quit smoking: Smoking cessation is crucial as it's linked to multiple types of cancer, including colon cancer.

• Physical therapy: Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles around the anus and improve symptoms.

• Surgical options: For severe cases, procedures like sphincteroplasty or sacral nerve stimulation are considered.

Is bowel incontinence a normal part of ageing?
Bowel incontinence is not a normal part of ageing. While the risk of developing bowel incontinence increases with age due to weakening muscles and nerves around the anus and rectum, it is not inevitable and can often be treated or managed effectively.

Why is my poop leaking after I wipe?
Poop leaking after wiping can occur due to several reasons, including incomplete bowel emptying, loose stool consistency, or weakened sphincter muscles. It might also indicate issues like haemorrhoids or anal fissures that can disrupt normal bowel movements and control.

What vitamin deficiency causes faecal incontinence?
There is no direct link between a specific vitamin deficiency and faecal incontinence. However, general malnutrition or poor health can contribute to muscle weakness, including the muscles around the bowel, potentially exacerbating incontinence. Ensuring a balanced diet with adequate nutrients is important for maintaining overall bowel and muscle function.