Introduction
Let’s face it poop just doesn’t smell good. But when you find it becomes particularly foul-smelling, or lingers for an excessive time, it might be of some health concern. One common concern related to bad-smelling stool is that it could connote cancer, predominantly colon cancer or similar digestive cancers. The honest truth is…Most causes of bad-smelling poop are benign or dietary related, but there are occasional outliers, but here and there they can signify something more serious.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the causes of smelly stool, when it may be associated to cancer, and when you should contact a physician.
What Does Foul-Smelling Poop Mean?
Stool can have a distinctive smell provided by the bacteria in your gut and the foods that you eat. But if your stool suddenly smells much worse, and is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, blood, or a change in consistency, this could signal that something is wrong in your digestive system.
What Causes Foul-Smelling Stool?
Here are a few common (and usually harmless) reasons:
- Diet: A diet high in protein, fat, or spice!
- Lactose intolerance: Those with lactose intolerance can get smelly gas that goes along with their poops.
- Infections: Stomach bugs or a gut infection involving bacteria called Clostridium difficile (C. diff) cause foul-smelling, watery diarrhea.
- Medications: Antibiotics and even some supplements may alter the gut bacteria that are natural to your gut.
- Celiac disease: Gluten sensitivity can cause malabsorption in the gut, and therefore greasy-poop which may smell bad to you and others
Read Also: Can a Prolapse Be a Sign of Cancer
Can Foul-Smelling Stool Indicate Cancer?
Foul-smelling stool, by itself, doesn’t indicate you are sick with cancer. But in rare cases, especially when other symptoms are present, it could be indicative of developmental problems in your digestion system, possibly including cancer.
Potential Connections Between Foul-Smelling Stool and Cancer
Colon cancer can cause:
- Blood in stool (sometimes hidden)
- Change in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea)
- Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels
- Fatigue, weight loss
Any of these changes can alter the smell and appearance of stool. A foul or metallic smell or odor combined with a sticky texture or unusual color can therefore potentially be a sign of concern.
Malabsorption Disorders:
Although malabsorption conditions (such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease) are not cancerous, they are risk factors for certain cancers if undiagnosed or untreated. Because nutrients are not being absorbed efficiently, stools may be greasy and foul-smelling.
Liver Disease and Cancer:
The liver helps break down fats and remove any carcinogens through bile. If the liver is affected by disease (or cancer):
– Efficiency of digestion is reduced.
– Carcinogens can remain in the body longer.
– Stools may have a stronger smell or appear pale colored and greasy.
Pancreatic Cancer:
The pancreas also helps digest fats. In pancreatic cancer, the pancreas may not produce enzymes to digest fat, leading to:
– Greasy, foul-smelling stool,
– Loss of weight, and
– Pain or discomfort in the abdomen.
This loss of fats not being absorbed is called steatorrhea, and while it is common with other illnesses and not only cancer, it is definitely worth figuring out.
Other Causes Of Foul-Smelling Stool:
Remember, many benign conditions are also responsible for a foul smell when going to the bathroom:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Infections
- Food allergies
- Over-use of antibiotics
So before getting scared too fast, you must remember there are a lot of factors that affect the smell of stool.
Importance of Seeking Medical Advice
In all likelihood, although foul smelling stool is relatively harmless, it can sometimes be an early sign there may be more serious issue occurring in your body. As a general rule of thumb, it is most concerning when there is:
- Blood
- Screening weight loss
- Pain going to the bathroom
- Ongoing digestive discomfort
Addressing these early signs is a huge factor of how successful treatment is; especially for cancer.
When to See a Doctor:
If you are experiencing any symptoms from the following list, then it is time to see a healthcare provider:
– Strongly foul-smelling stool that persists for weeks
– Blood or mucus in stool
– Constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than three days
– Sudden and unexplained weight loss
– Ongoing and persistent pain, bloating, or fatigue
Tests and Evaluations
Stool abnormalities are evaluated using some or all of the tests outlined below:
– Stool tests – To evaluate for signs of infection, fat content, bacteria, or blood in stool.
– Colonoscopy – To evaluate the colon for polyps, cancer, or possible inflammation.
– Blood tests – To assess for anemia or infection, or liver function.
– Imaging studies – To evaluate for tumors or any abnormal area.
These tests are intended to exclude potential serious causes or to provide an appropriate diagnosis.
Conclusion
Foul-smelling poop by itself is not usually a sign of cancer—more often than not it’s related to food, food intolerance, or some form of infection. But if it doesn’t go away or if it comes with some other red flags, you should pay attention to it.
Listen to your body. It is always better to ask, get a check-up and get peace of mind, rather than ignoring potential signs.
FAQ
Q: What are the 5 warning signs of bowel cancer?
- Blood in stool
- Unintentional weight loss
- Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
- Persistent pain in the belly
- Incomplete emptying of your bowel movements
Q: What does bowel cancer stool smell like?
There is no “cancer smell,” however, it may become more foul, metallic or tar-like by virtue of internal bleeding, or poor absorption.
Q: What to eat to avoid smelly poop?
Focus on:
- High-fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, grains)
- Lean protein
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid junk food, excess red meat and fattening meals.
Q: Can colon cancer make poop smell bad?
Yes, it can. Colon cancer can cause bleeding or interfere with digestion, which can influence stool smell. But, remember, smell alone is not a diagnosis.
