Sounds from your stomach or belly area can be really startling. The sounds can be shakings, rumblings, gurglings, or even growlings of the stomach, and most people get them without any negative effect.
In fact, in the majority of situations, when the noises occur after a meal, when you are hungry, or during the digestion of food, one should not be worried.
Nevertheless, if the sounds keep going, get very loud, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is only natural that people start thinking about the possibility of some serious disease like colorectal cancer.
Bowel cancer also takes a high place among the common cancers and the signs of the early stages of this disease are not very apparent. On their own, stomach noise, related symptoms do not point to bowel cancer, but if they occur together with other symptoms, it could be a sign of an issue.
This article looks into the connection between bowel cancer and stomach noises by giving you information and data that would help you figure out when such noises are normal and when they possibly indicate a problem. Besides that, you will find information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of bowel cancer in this article.
What are Stomach Noises?
Stomach noises, often called bowel sounds, can sometimes cause stress issues especially when they sound very different.
In fact, these noises are very common normal digestive symptoms and the only reason that people get scared is when they become aware of the changes that they believe might indicate a serious disease such as bowel cancer. The main point of all these is to grasp the element of the times when the sounds can be considered as a sign of a medical condition.
Why Does the Stomach Make Noises?
The human stomach naturally makes noises, which is the common reason for hearing stomach noise. Stomach sounds can also be a result of being hungry or due to the food combination you had. The explanation is that the stomach sound can be heard more clearly if the stomach is empty since there are fewer things in it to muffle the sound.
Peristalsis is the contraction and relaxation of muscle fibers in the intestines in a wave-like fashion that allows the moving of objects along the digestive tract. The movements may make the sound of a gurgle or rumble. The intestinal gas may be due to the air swallowing or bacterial fermentation of some foods. When gas bubbles travel along the intestines, they can change the positioning of the liquid and other contents causing the noise that resembles the gurgling sound of water when it moves through pipes.
Hunger signals the brain to send an instruction through which the digestive system is told to get ready for food. It makes the muscle contractions more forceful, and this, in turn, brings about the stomach noises. When food comes into contact with digestive juices in the digestive tract, it can make noise. The process is accompanied by the production of a semi, fluid mixture of chyme that can cause gurgling or sloshing sounds, mainly when peristalsis is moving it through the narrow parts of the intestines.
Certain foods, especially the ones with a high fiber content, produce greater amounts of gas and thus louder stomach noises.
When Are Noises in the Stomach a Concern?
Noises coming from the stomach are normally nothing to be concerned about, but they may indicate a health issue if they occur in conjunction with the following:
Pain or Discomfort
Persistent pain, cramping, or bloating with stomach noises may indicate ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Noises Too Often or Too Loudly
Frequent loud noises of the stomach accompanied by nausea or diarrhea or occurring separately might be the signs of food intolerance, infection, and even bowel cancer.
Other symptoms
Noises that are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, or major changes in bowel habits should be checked by a doctor, as they could indicate more serious conditions such as bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer and Stomach Noises
While stomach noise alone does not indicate the presence of bowel cancer, it may be indicative of other possible conditions. If other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss are present in addition to "gas/bowel" noises then you should seek medical attention.
Bowel cancer affects how bowel movements occur by inhibiting or completely stopping them.This altered movement can be seen as a change in your digestion and elimination habits and can also be an indirect source of your stomach noise.
Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
The early signs of bowel cancer mean early diagnosis and, hopefully, treatment. While some symptoms are similar to more benign digestive complaints, there are some potential warning signs that should never be ignored.
The most common symptoms of bowel cancer are as follows:
Presence of blood in the stool:
Stools that are bright red or dark, tar, like could be a sign of a tumor that is bleeding in the bowel. Even though it is possible that bleeding can be due to hemorrhoids, it is always best to consult a doctor in the case of rectal bleeding.
Change in bowel habits:
The presence of bowel cancer could be guessed by a diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel has not been emptied completely that lasts for more than a few weeks.
Tiredness and weight, loss without any obvious reason:
This might be an indication of malabsorption or anemia from the bleeding of a tumor.
Abdominal pain:
Pains or cramps, especially but not solely when cancer has reached the advanced stages, can be caused by bowel obstruction.
Such symptoms as these, especially when they are considered together, are quite a lot more worrying than merely hearing stomach sounds in isolation.
The Basics of Bowel Cancer
The bowel, or digestive system, generally refers to the part of your body that breaks down food into smaller pieces to be absorbed. The bowel is made up of several areas, including the small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
Other names for bowel cancer include:
- Large Bowel/Colon (Large intestine)
- Rectal Cancer (rectum)
- Colorectal Cancer (large intestines and rectum)
- Anal Cancer (anus)
- Small bowel Cancer (Small intestines)
Bowel cancer usually takes many decades to develop before any apparent symptoms occur in the affected individual. This usually occurs after the benign growth of polyps (small bumps) lining the colon or rectum. With time, the polyps may develop cancer and metastasize to the regional lymph nodes as well as the liver.
Stages
The stage of bowel cancer is the severity of the situation. Depending on the grade, doctors offer patients the best mode of care:
- Stage I: Cancer growth restricted to the inner lining of the bowel wall only
- Stage II: The cancer has invaded the outer wall of the bowel.
- StageIII: The growth of the tumor is noticed in the lymph nodes (lymphomas)
- Stage IV: Cancer spreads to other parts like the liver and lungs
Types
Depending on the kind of cancer cells and the place of origin, the following treatment may be beneficial:
Adenocarcinoma: These cancers comprise a growth in the gland cells lining the bowel which produce the mucus that helps stool pass through the bowel easily. These types of cancers mainly occur in the bowel.
Squamous cell cancer: The growth of cells is in the skin cells of the bowel wall lining.
Lymphomas: These involve the lymph tissues surrounding the bowel, which is responsible for producing lymphocytes; these cells are white blood cells and protect our body from infections.
Diagnostic Process for Colorectal Cancer
If there is a suspicion of bowel cancer, the diagnostic tests may involve:
- A physical examination
- Blood Tests for Anemia
- Colonoscopy: a visualization of colon and rectum examination
- Imaging studies such as CT scan
Risk Factors for Bowel Cancer
Bowel Cancer is a disease that involves the rectum and large intestines. Most people do not know that they are at risk due to it not showing symptoms for many years. Knowing a person's personal history, family history, and other medical conditions will greatly aid in determining whether or not they are at increased risk for bowel cancer.
The risk of colorectal cancer also increases with age; more specifically, after the age of 50 years. Moreover, a preference for certain diet habits also affects a significant proportion of people. For instance, those who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer are also prone to developing this condition. There is also importance in personal history regarding medical issues. People who have had colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer in the past are probably the highest risk group for experiencing the condition again at some point in their lives. Some inherited disorders, like Lynch Syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, are known to strongly influence lifetime risk.
The lifestyle factor contributes not less. A diet that is heavy on red and processed meats, low in fiber, and high in alcohol is considered a risk factor for colon cancer. A sedentary lifestyle, which is often combined with other poor health conditions, is one more risk factor. It has been proven that obesity contributes to inflammation and metabolic disturbance, which are conditions favorable for cancer growth, thus, it has been recognized as a risk factor for this cancer. Smoking is also another one of the factors that may cause this cancer.
Type 2 diabetics are more likely to be affected, possibly due to related factors. Additionally, inflammatory bowel disorders such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are also at a higher risk for colon cancer.
If you are experiencing stomach growls but are not actually hungry, there are a number of things that can be done for relief. Below are 11 tips:
How to Reduce Stomach Noise?
Generally, stomach growling is harmless, but frequent or loud noises can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. Often, simple lifestyle and dietary changes can help reduce digestive sounds.
- Eat When You're Hungry
- Chew Slowly
- Overeating Should Be Avoided.
- Drink Water Between Meals.
- Reduce Stress Levels
- Gas Producing Foods
- Limit Acidic Foods
- Reduce Sugar Intake
- Limit Consumption Of Alcohol
- Take A Short Walk After Meals
- Check For Food Intolerances
Stomach noise does not indicate the presence of bowel cancer but is part of normal digestive function. The only time stomach noise should raise concern is when other symptoms that may indicate the presence of bowel cancer are present, such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and/or abdominal pain.
Most people do not realise when they may develop bowel cancer because of the length of time it takes for bowel cancer to progress. Therefore, by continuously keeping a record of how your digestion appears on a normal basis will allow you to monitor the quality of your digestive functions and develop a better idea of how and when you may have bowel cancer. Also, through regular screening recommended by your physician and by discussing any problems, small or great, with your doctor, you will significantly improve your health.
If you suspect you may have a bowel cancer concern, do not dwell on doubt, seek early medical attention. Greater than 90% of all digestive disorders identified today will turn out to be non-lethal, and getting early medical help will reassure you and improve your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can stomach noises indicate the initial symptom of bowel cancer?
A very small chance. Usually, stomach noises on their own are pretty harmless and not an initial sign of bowel cancer.
2. Are loud stomach noises a sign of danger?
Mostly not. Very often loud sounds are related to the presence of gas, the state of being hungry, or digestion.
3. Could bowel cancer be the reason for gurgling noises?
If the tumor causes a partial bowel obstruction or changes in bowel habits, then the sounds may be modified.
4. When should I be concerned about stomach noises?
If they don't stop and come along with other symptoms like the presence of blood in the stool, pain, or weight loss.
5. Can anxiety cause stomach noises?
Absolutely. Stress and anxiety are strong stimulants of the over, activity of the gut.
6. Is pain a symptom that always marks the presence of bowel cancer?
Not necessarily. In fact, early bowel cancer usually does not cause any pain.
7. Is it possible to avoid stomach noises by dieting?
Yes. Stomach noises can be alleviated by means of a diet change, limiting the intake of foods that cause the formation of gas and slowly increasing the amount of fiber.
References
Young, Savannah. “Stomach Growling and Bowel Cancer: When to Seek Immediate Care.” PrimeHealth Denver, 23 Nov. 2023{: rel="nofollow"}
Admin, Kolhapur Cancer Centre, et al. “Does Bowel Cancer Cause Stomach Noises?” Kolhapur Cancer Centre, 24 May 2025{: rel="nofollow"}
Kulkarni, Aditya, and Aditya Kulkarni. “Does Bowel Cancer Cause Stomach Noises?” Blogs, 30 Oct. 2025{: rel="nofollow"}
Webpotatosg. “Does Bowel Cancer Cause Stomach Noises?” Centre for Screening and Surgery, 24 Sept. 2024{: rel="nofollow"}
