You should speak to your GP if you notice any of these symptoms.
A doctor has shared five key signs of a deadly cancer that “could save your life”. According to the expert, you should “check in” with a medical professional if you notice any of these symptoms.
In a video uploaded to social media platform TikTok, Doctor Karan Rajan listed some concerning indicators of bowel cancer. The disease, which is also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK.
Statistics from Cancer Research UK show around 44,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with the disease every year. And it leads to approximately 16,800 deaths annually, making it the second most deadly cancer in the region.
Recent studies have also highlighted that it is becoming more and more prevalent in people under the age of 50. Dr Rajan, who is better known online as Dr Raj, said: “Warning signs of bowel cancer and the last two will change your toilet habits.
“Bowel cancer is on the rise, especially in younger people, and knowing these signs could save your life.” He listed the most common symptoms as:
- Tummy pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Rectal bleeding
- A change in bowel habits
He said: “Five – persistent tummy pain, which doesn’t go away. Four – unintentional weight loss.
“You’re dropping weight, but you’re not trying to. This can sometimes be a sign of the metabolic activity of cancer.
“Three – unexplained fatigue. The bleeding from bowel cancer can drain your blood levels, leading to tiredness and lethargy.
“Two – rectal bleeding. If you notice blood in your stool, never assume it’s normal and something like haemorrhoids, always get it checked out.
“One – a persistent change in your bowel habits over several weeks. Sometimes bowel cancer can physically block stool or only allow liquid to pass, leading to constipation or diarrhoea.”
He continued: “If you notice any of these, please check in with a healthcare professional.” Dr Raj explained there are steps you can take to lower your risk of bowel cancer.
He added: “The good news is there’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk of cancer, like checking your poo every time before you flush so you know what’s normal for you.”
He also recommended the following:
- More fibre in your diet
- Stopping smoking and vaping
- Reducing alcohol consumption to reduce your risk of multiple cancers
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, speak to your GP.