Persistent abdominal discomfort can have countless causes.
Gas, constipation, food intolerance, infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive conditions can all produce abdominal pain.
But unexplained or persistent cramping, bloating, pressure, or abdominal discomfort can also occur with colorectal cancer.
The pattern matters.
Pain that repeatedly returns, becomes more severe, occurs alongside changes in bowel habits, or is accompanied by bleeding or unexplained weight loss deserves medical attention.