Diverticulitis and cancer are two distinct conditions that can affect the colon. Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that form in the colon wall. On the other hand, colon cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the colon.
While diverticulitis does not cause cancer, having diverticulitis may increase the risk of developing colon cancer in the long term. However, the exact relationship between diverticulitis and colon cancer is still unclear and the majority of people with diverticulitis do not develop cancer.
It is important to note that colon cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular colon cancer screening is recommended for individuals over the age of 50 or for those with certain risk factors. If you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
