Six lesser-known symptoms of bowel cancer as GP says 'it's important to know'

From cambridge-news.co.uk

There has been a huge surge in cases among younger people

With cases of bowel cancer having increased by more than 50% among 25 to 49-year-olds since the early 1990s, according to Cancer Research UK, younger adults now need to know the warning signs, as spotting bowel cancer early gives the best chance of successful treatment, a doctor has said.

Dr Donald Grant has explained the lesser-known warning signs of bowel cancer, why they're often missed and when to speak to a doctor.

Dr Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said: “Bowel cancer is still far more common in older people, so this isn't a reason for younger adults to panic. However, the rise in cases among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s means it's no longer something anyone should assume they're too young for.

“When bowel cancer is found early, treatment is much more likely to be successful. Most people know to look out for blood in their stool, but other signs are much easier to miss or to put down to something else.”

Feeling Tired All the Time

“Persistent tiredness is one of the most overlooked signs of bowel cancer. Some bowel cancers bleed slowly into the gut, often in amounts too small to see. Over time, this can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which can leave you feeling exhausted, short of breath or looking paler than usual.

“Many younger people put tiredness down to work, stress or poor sleep, and most of the time that's exactly what it is. If you're constantly worn out, and rest doesn't seem to help, speak to your GP, as a simple blood test can check for anaemia.”

A Change in Bowel Habits that Doesn't Settle

“Everyone's bowel habits vary a little, and a few days of looser stools or constipation after a change in diet or a stomach bug is completely normal. What matters is a change that sticks around, such as going more often than usual or stools that are consistently looser or harder.

“There's no 'correct' number of times to go to the toilet. The important thing is noticing a change from your own usual routine, and if it hasn't returned to normal after around three weeks, book an appointment with your GP.”

Feeling Like You Haven't Fully Emptied Your Bowels

“This is a symptom many people don't link to bowel cancer at all. It's the feeling that you still need to go, even straight after you've been to the toilet, and it can happen when something in the lower part of the bowel, such as a growth, makes the body think it hasn't finished.

“It can also be caused by constipation, inflammation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If it keeps happening, particularly alongside other changes such as bleeding or tummy pain, I recommend seeking medical attention.”

Darker Blood or Very Dark Stools

“Most people know that blood in your poo should be checked, but they usually picture bright red blood on the toilet paper. Bleeding from higher up in the bowel can look quite different, appearing dark red, mixed into the stool itself, or making your poo look very dark and sticky.

“Therefore, it’s important to keep a close eye on the colour of stools. If you notice dark or bloody stools, it’s worth getting it checked.”

Tummy Pain, Bloating or a Lump

“Persistent pain, discomfort or bloating in your tummy is easy to blame on food, stress or your menstrual cycle. Pain that keeps coming back, bloating that doesn't go away, or discomfort linked to eating are all worth mentioning to a doctor.

“Some people notice a lump in their tummy or around their rectum. Many lumps are harmless, but any new lump that doesn't go away should be examined by a healthcare professional.”

Losing Weight Without Trying

“Unexplained weight loss can feel like good news at first, especially if you've been hoping to lose a few pounds. But if your weight is dropping and you haven't changed what you eat or how active you are, that isn't something to ignore.

“Some people also find they feel fuller more quickly or simply don't fancy food as much as they used to. This is definitely a lesser-known symptom that young people should monitor closely.

“Overall, bowel cancer is still uncommon in younger adults, but cases are rising, which makes it important to know what is normal for your body. If symptoms persist for three weeks or more, or you notice blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss or ongoing pain, speak to a GP rather than waiting for it to pass.”

https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/six-lesser-known-symptoms-bowel-34739841