Constipation Is Not a Risk Factor for Colorectal Cancer
Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE, reviewing Staller K, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021 Oct 19.
Patients are often concerned that chronic constipation will put them at risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), and previous data on this topic have been mixed.
In a case-control study from Sweden involving more than 40,000 patients with CRC, the adjusted risk of later CRC associated with chronic constipation was 1.04 (95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.13).
![d-rex](/wp-content/uploads/d-rex.jpg)
COMMENTThese data indicate that we can reassure patients with chronic constipation who ask about its association with CRC.
Note to readers: At the time we reviewed this paper, its publisher noted that it was not in final form and that subsequent changes might be made.
CITATION(S)
Staller K, Olén O, Söderling J, et al. Chronic constipation as a risk factor for colorectal cancer: results from a nationwide, case-control study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021 Oct 19. (Epub ahead of print) (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2021.10.024)