What percentage of colorectal cancer patients initially mistook symptoms for gastritis?

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Approximately 40 to 50 per cent of colorectal cancer patients initially mistook their symptoms for gastritis.

Many individuals tend to dismiss common digestive discomforts like upper abdominal burning, indigestion, or stomach pain as minor ailments, often self-diagnosing them as gastritis or gas, especially if over-the-counter medications provide temporary relief. However, experts caution that this self-diagnosis can be perilous, as these symptoms might mask more severe underlying conditions, including colorectal cancer. This tendency to downplay early warning signs frequently results in patients seeking medical attention only when their disease has progressed to advanced stages.
Misinterpretation of Symptoms Leads to Delayed Diagnosis

Consultant general and colorectal surgeon Dr Nurhashim Haron stated that a significant portion of colorectal cancer patients he sees initially believed their symptoms were merely indicative of gastritis. He noted that approximately 40 to 50 per cent of these patients presented with this misconception. This delay in seeking appropriate medical evaluation means that by the time a diagnosis is made, over 70 per cent of patients are already in stage three or four of the disease.
Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Age Shift in Malaysia

Colorectal cancer has become the second most common cancer in Malaysia, following breast cancer. National cancer registry data from 2017–2021 indicates a rising trend in colorectal cancer cases for both men and women, with incidence rates increasing compared to earlier reporting periods. Worryingly, there is also a notable shift in the age profile of affected individuals, with cases now being observed in patients in their 40s and even younger, a departure from the previously more common age range of 55 to 65.
Early Warning Signs Often Ignored

A primary error patients make is overlooking changes in bowel habits, which are among the earliest indicators of intestinal disease. Symptoms such as altered bowel frequency, narrower stools, or a persistent feeling of incomplete evacuation warrant medical attention. Despite these signs, many individuals continue to attribute them to gastritis, stress, or dietary factors, delaying consultation until their condition deteriorates significantly. Factors like embarrassment and fear of invasive procedures such as colonoscopies also contribute to delayed medical help.

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What percentage of colorectal cancer patients initially mistook symptoms for gastritis?

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