Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, and one of the most deadly, with nearly 17,000 deaths attributed to the disease between 2017 and 2019 in the UK alone
As April marked Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, doctors have been encouraging people to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of this lethal disease.
Bowel cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly types of cancer both in the UK and globally, with almost 17,000 deaths attributed to it between 2017 and 2019 in the UK alone. However, many fatalities could be avoided if individuals were aware of the warning signs and committed to regular testing, according to health insurance experts Usay Compare.
Bowel cancer refers to any cancer located in the large bowel, also known as the large intestine. This includes the colon and rectum, which is why some healthcare professionals refer to this disease as colorectal cancer. It ranks as the third most common cancer worldwide and the second most fatal.
Like many forms of cancer, bowel cancer can be triggered by a range of factors that are environmental, genetic, or lifestyle-related. That said, unhealthy eating habits are a significant cause of its development, reports Bristol Live. When it comes to bowel cancer, your habits can be telling. Don’t dismiss any unusual bathroom occurrences, particularly if they start happening frequently.
If one or more of the following symptoms persist for over two weeks, it’s time to consult a medical professional:
- Stomach discomfort
- Increased frequency of bowel movements
- Feeling the need to defecate often, even after just going
- Changes in stool consistency, such as it being softer or harder than usual
- Bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue
The most crucial symptom to be aware of is blood coming from the anus, either on its own or in stools. If you notice the following symptoms, it’s essential to contact a doctor immediately:
- Red or black stools
- Bleeding from the anus
Testing for bowel cancer once symptoms appear is straightforward – often, it can be done in the privacy of your own home. You can take the test kit home and return it to your doctor once completed. However, even those without symptoms should consider getting their bowels checked for signs of cancer. Early detection significantly reduces the risk of mortality from bowel cancer.
Tests like colonoscopies search for polyps, or growths, within the lower bowel. These growths can take years to develop into cancer, so removing them while they’re still benign can prevent bowel cancer. Many people avoid these types of tests due to discomfort. However, given the prevalence and severity of bowel cancer, it’s worth enduring temporary discomfort for the sake of long-term health.