Bowel cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in the UK, with over 42,000 people being diagnosed with the disease each year – so it is important to know the symptoms
When it comes to stomach aches, many of us might just brush them aside as typical indigestion or a minor bug.
But NHS experts are urging people to take potential warning signs seriously. They’ve flagged up symptoms that shouldn’t be shrugged off – ones that deserve attention and possibly a doctor’s visit.
It’s particularly crucial given that bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth leading cancer with over 42,000 new cases every year, according to Bowel Cancer UK. Feeling queasy about what to watch for? Here are some red flags you should keep on your radar.
Bowel Cancer UK also pointed out that an overwhelming 94% of those diagnosed are 50 or older while a significant 59 per cent are plus 70. But make no mistake, any age bracket can be hit by this illness so staying clued-up on symptoms is key.
Common signs have a sneaky way of being overlooked, sometimes mistaken for mere signs of ageing or other benign conditions. The NHS says: “Bowel cancer is cancer that’s found anywhere in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. The large bowel is part of your digestive system.
“It helps absorb water from your food and removes food waste from your body. How serious bowel cancer is depends on how big the cancer is, if the cancer has spread, and your general health.
“Bowel cancer screening can pick up bowel cancer early, which may mean it’s easier to treat. It’s important to get any symptoms of bowel cancer checked as soon as possible.”
Bowel cancer symptoms
- changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- bleeding from your bottom
- often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- tummy pain
- a lump in your tummy
- bloating
- losing weight without trying
- feeling very tired for no reason
The NHS urged people to get checked out by their GP, as it may not be bowel cancer, but it’s important to rule it out, reports the Express.