‘Her legacy
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS
IN a final message before her death, Dame Deborah James urged people to “check your poo – it could just save your life”.
Here is what you need to know:
How common is bowel cancer?
Dr Lisa Wilde, director of research and external affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, affecting both men and women.
“Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer.”
What are the main symptoms?
“Persistent and unexplained changes in your bowel habits – you may notice that you need to poo more frequently and your stools are looser,” said Dr Nikki Ramskill, GP at the digital healthcare provider Livi.
Noticing blood in your poo or coming from your bottom is another sign. “Often it is dark red or brown in colour,” she said.
Unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for no obvious reason and a pain or lump in your tummy are other warning signs, Dr Wilde said.
Could the symptoms mean something else?
Possibly, but it is so important to find out what is causing any of the signs.
How treatable is it?
“Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early,” Dr Wilde said.
“Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage, but this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.”
What treatment is available?
Dr Ramskill said treatments can include “surgery combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or biological treatments”. ■■Donate to Deborah’s fund at: