Acting on a gut feeling could be the key to saving your life
To mark Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, two colorectal surgeons outline the symptoms everybody needs to know about, says
Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK (lung cancer causes most), but if caught early enough, 95 per cent of cases can be cured. This means being aware of the potential warning signs, and getting them checked out sooner rather than later, really can make the world of difference. And with around 42,000 men and women diagnosed every year – which includes younger people, although the disease mostly affects people aged 50-plus – bowel cancer is everyone’s business.
Here, consultant colorectal surgeons Mr Colin Elton and Mr Daren Francis – who both work at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK – highlight seven key warning signs of bowel cancer that everybody should be aware of.
Blood in your stools
Perhaps the most well-known symptom of bowel cancer is bleeding from the bottom or blood in the stools, which can vary from a small amount on the tissue after you wipe, to a substantial amount mixed in with your stool.
“Bowel cancer can start in the large bowel (colon) or back passage (rectal),” explains Elton. “Usually, bright red blood indicates bleeding in the lower colon or rectum, while darker red blood is a sign of bleeding in the small bowel or upper colon. If you notice any bleeding, book an appointment with your doctor so they can give you an examination and find out what’s causing it.”
There are many other possible reasons for rectal bleeding, such as haemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gastroenteritis, a sexually-transmitted infection or polyps. “Even though bowel cancer may not be the cause, it’s important to visit your GP or a doctor if you’re experiencing the symptom – just to be sure,” Elton advises.
Change in bowel habits
“Although usually a symptom of other less serious problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), persistent constipation, diarrhoea and bowel incontinence could also be a sign of bowel cancer. It’s important to tell your GP if you’ve noticed these changes in your bowel habits, especially if you’re also experiencing bleeding from your back passage,” says Francis.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom of most cancers, including bowel cancer. But as most people experience some degree of fatigue due to their busy lifestyles, it can be a difficult symptom to spot. “Cancer fatigue isn’t like ordinary tiredness,” explains Elton. “It doesn’t tend to improve after a good night’s sleep or a cup of coffee, and it’s often described as ‘whole body tiredness’.”
Anyone concerned by the level of exhaustion they’re feeling despite getting lots of rest, should seek medical advice.
Unexpected weight loss
Like fatigue, unexpected weight loss is a generic cancer symptom seen in a lot of cancer cases. Francis says: “If you lose 10 or more pounds and can’t understand why, this would be considered a concern. Usually, if you’re experiencing a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, or pain in the abdomen along with unexplained weight loss, this could be an indication of bowel cancer – so it’s important to pay attention to your body and keep an eye on any changes that might be occurring.”
Lumps and bumps
Elton says some bowel cancer patients may notice an unusual lump or bump in their abdomen or back passage, often caused by the cancer tumour. “See your GP if any lumps don’t go away or if they’re affecting how you sleep or eat, as this could be a sign bowel cancer is present,” he says.
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, indigestion or general stomach pain are very common, and are usually a reflection of your diet. Francis says symptoms that occur occasionally, for example fewer than twice a week, and easily respond to over-thecounter medication are rarely a cause for concern.
“But if you’ve noticed these symptoms on a more frequent or severe basis – for example, consistently waking you up at night or causing you to use over-the-counter medications more than twice a week – you should pay your GP a visit.”
Nausea and vomiting
If nausea or vomiting is accompanied by any of the other bowel cancer symptoms, this could potentially be a sign of bowel cancer, usually because the cancer tumour is causing a bowel obstruction. “Depending on the size and severity of the tumour blockage, solids, liquids and even gas may be prevented from passing through the colon,” says Elton. “This can lead to painful stomach cramps and constipation, and, in turn, nausea and vomiting.” n