When Is Constipation Cancer? | Oncologist, Microbiologist & Gastroenterologist | RCA

Constipation, blood in stool, low hemoglobin. Most gut problems aren't cancer, but some are. In this episode of Root Cause Analysis, a gastroenterologist, an oncologist and a microbiologist explain how to tell the difference, and when you shouldn't wait. In this episode: 00:00 - In This Video 02:34 - Why Track Constipation to Cancer? 04:03 - Meet the Panel (Gastroenterologist, Oncologist, Microbiologist) 08:41 - Common Causes of Constipation & First Red Flags 11:15 - Microbiome Testing, Dysbiosis & SIBO Myths 15:04 - Functional vs. Structural: When Further Investigation is Needed 17:45 - Blood in Stool: When to Suspect More Than Piles 20:52 - How Normal Colon Cells Turn into Cancer (Polyps & Adenomas) 22:45 - Why Colon Cancer is Often Painless (Compression Symptoms) 24:14 - Genetics, Family History vs. Sporadic Risk 26:06 - "I Am Young, I Won't Get Cancer" — Dismantling the Age Myth 29:36 - Unexplained Anemia & Weight Loss in GI Health 32:31 - How Colorectal Tumors Cause Constipation (Left vs. Right Colon) 33:50 - Diagnosis, Staging & Molecular Testing (MSI / MMR) 38:13 - Immunotherapy vs. Chemotherapy Side Effects 40:07 - Screening Guidelines: Age 45 vs. Age 35 (FIT vs. Colonoscopy) 43:03 - Finding Polyps: Risk Levels & Surveillance Timelines 43:55 - Curative vs. Palliative Intent & Long-Term Follow-up 46:36 - Lifestyle Prevention Priorities: Smoking, Diet & Movement 47:57 - The Carnivore & Extreme Diet Trap 50:50 - Geographic Risk Patterns & Regional Diets in India 53:22 - Step-by-Step Risk Reduction (The 100 Goats Parable) 55:41 - The Truth About Probiotics & Commercial Gut Health Kits 58:57 - The Myth of Biopsies Spreading Cancer 01:00:21 - Dietary Fiber: Why Diverse Fiber Beats Chia Water 01:02:18 - Decoding CBC Reports: Anemia, Platelets & MPV 01:05:43 - Three Golden Rules: Don't Dismiss Symptoms 01:07:18 - Antibiotic Misuse & Pan-Resistant Superbugs 01:09:24 - Audience Q&A: Fecal Calprotectin & Colon Cancer 01:10:50 - Audience Q&A: Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia & Slow Transit 01:12:49 - Audience Q&A: Hepatitis B & Bowel Irregularities 01:14:00 - Audience Q&A: Chronic Constipation Workup & Transit Studies 01:18:50 - Audience Q&A: Bulky Stool Bleeding & Colonoscopy Need 01:21:20 - Closing Thoughts & Takeaways GUESTS' Dr. Zubin Dev Sharma: Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon | MD Internal Medicine (Gold Medalist), DNB Gastroenterology & Hepatology Instagram:   / drzubindevsharma   YouTube:    / @dr.zubindevsharma   Dr. Sumit Lokwani: Medical Oncologist & Hemato-Oncologist | Co-author, "ABC of CBC" Instagram:   / drsunitlokwani   YouTube:    / @drsunitlokwani   👥 HOST Dr. Arim: MBBS | MD Microbiology (Resident) | Advanced Gut Microbiome Science (Stanford University, USA) | BSc Psychology (Philippines) Website: https://www.drarim.com Socials & Research Papers: https://drarim.komi.io/ 🎙️ JOIN US LIVE Root Cause Analysis Podcast is recorded every Thursday with a live audience who can ask the doctors their questions. Join through Dr. Arim's WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCs... 📌 Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. #ColonCancer #GutHealth #RootCauseAnalysis