Bowel cancer’s six ‘hard to spot’ symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore
Health experts are urging the public to stay vigilant for any changes in toilet habits that might indicate bowel cancer. Bowel Cancer UK highlighted that this disease is the fourth most common cancer in Britain, with nearly 43,000 people diagnosed annually. Although potentially deadly, early detection of bowel cancer can lead to a complete recovery. Symptoms often mistaken for less serious conditions such as diarrhoea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should not be ignored.
Cancer Research UK reveals that over 94% of new bowel cancer cases occur in individuals aged over 50, and astonishingly, 54 percent of these cases could be prevented. Health experts shared insights on bowel cancer as reported by the Mirror, including symptoms that are difficult to detect.
The NHS lists the most prevalent warning signs of bowel cancer, which include:
– 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
– Bloating
– Losing weight without trying
– Feeling very tired for no reason
Dr Luke Pratsides, a leading GP at Numan, advised: “If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important you see your GP urgently for further investigation.” Bowel cancer symptoms can be elusive and are often described as “generic,” making the disease challenging to diagnose.
Pharmacist Abbas Kanani of Chemist Click pointed out that bowel cancer treatment is continually advancing, stating: “The survival rate over 10 years is around 50 per cent for bowel cancer, and the bowel survival rate has more than doubled over the last 40 years in the UK.”
Individuals concerned about potential signs of bowel cancer should consult their GP, with Dr Pratsides advocating that the difficulties in securing appointments shouldn’t deter them. He emphasized that early detection is key to successful treatment and recovery from bowel cancer.
In summary, early detection of bowel cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, tummy pain, and unexplained weight loss should not be ignored. Seeking prompt medical attention and undergoing screening tests can help in diagnosing bowel cancer at an early stage, increasing the chances of a full recovery. Additionally, advancements in treatment options are improving survival rates, highlighting the importance of staying informed and proactive about one’s health.