Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK – but is easily treatable if caught early.
Nearly 42,000 Brits are diagnosed every year, making it the fourth most common cancer in the country.
BBC news presenter George Alagiah, 63, this week opened up about his struggle with Stage 4 bowel cancer.
And although cancer mortality rates are dropping overall, bowel cancer still kills 16,000 people every year.
Symptoms can be subtle but recognising them and taking action will increase your chances of survival.
Bowel Cancer UK said: “People whose cancer is diagnosed early have a much higher chance of successful treatment than those whose cancer is more widespread.
“If you have any symptoms, don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of people with bowel problems.”
Here are the key warning signs everybody should know.
(Image: BBC)
Blood in your poo
The most well-known symptom of bowel cancer is bleeding from the bottom or finding blood in your poo. This is because the cancer can start in the large bowel, known as the colon, or in your back passage, the rectum.
The amount of blood is unimportant. It can vary from a small bit on the tissue after you wipe to a substantial amount mixed in with your stool. If you see any, visit your doctor. It could be a sign of another less serious medical problem but it is important to have it checked out.
Toilet trouble
A change in your bowel habits is another warning sign of the disease – but only if it persists over time.
If you are rushing to the loo more often and passing looser stools, something could be wrong in your bowel.
Constipation, where it is more difficult to poo and you pass harder stools, can also be a warning sign.
There are over-the-counter medications to help with both diarrhoea and constipation. But if either persists for more than four weeks, see your GP.
(Image: Getty Images)
Tiredness
Getting tired is a symptom of most cancers, including bowel, but it can be difficult to distinguish it from the everyday pressures of life. It is important to watch out for the sort of tiredness that cannot be cured by a good night’s sleep but is more of a persistent feeling of heaviness over your whole body.
If you tire easily from physical activity and get breathless, this could be caused by a lower level of red blood cells.
Known as anaemia, this condition is also common in bowel cancer patients.
Pain or lump
Sometimes cancer tumours can block part of the bowel and cause disruptions to the digestive system.
It could be in the form of a visible lump but pain in the abdomen is another sign.
Bloating regularly, vomiting or feeling nauseous can also point towards bowel obstruction.
A bowel blockage is an emergency and the pain will be so acute that it wakes you up during the night.
You should see your doctor quickly or go to A&E at your nearest hospital if you think you have a bowel obstruction.
Unexplained weight loss
Cancer cells can release substances into the body that change the way food is converted to energy, which can cause sudden weight loss.
If a tumour gets large enough it could also block the colon, interrupting the digestive system and preventing the body from maintaining key nutrients.
Weight loss is less common than some of the other symptoms but if you experience it alongside any of the others it can be a clear indication of the disease.
