The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

How do I know if I have colon cancer? I am 64 and usually have a healthy gut. But lately I have been bloated and have struggled with alternative bouts of constipation and diarrhoea.

Colon cancer is more likely with increasing age and it is most likely to affect people over the age of 50.

If you have a persistent change in bowel movement for more than four weeks, particularly looser, more frequent stools or diarrhoea, you should see a doctor.

Constipation alone is not usually a sign of bowel cancer.

You should also consult your GP if you spot blood coming from your back passage, in the toilet bowl or in your stools – but try not to worry at this stage. It could be haemorrhoids.

Another possible symptom is abdominal pain and bloating brought on by eating.

If a GP is considering possible bowel cancer they may arrange a QFIT test, which is like the bowel screening test but more sensitive.

It is a good, simple test which can easily be done at home. A negative result means colon cancer is much less likely, which can be reassuring.

The result also helps doctors to know how quickly specialist tests such as colonoscopy should be carried out. I would advise you visit your GP who will be able to help.

Do childhood earaches cause hearing loss later in life?

Usually no, but in a very few cases it might. Most childhood earache is caused by middle ear infections, which may cause temporary deafness, but eventually settle and go away.

Sometimes glue ear occurs, which may need to be treated with grommets, but this should not lead to long-term hearing problems.

Occasionally, chronic suppurative otitis media may develop after repeated middle ear infections.

My friend says Greek yogurt is healthier than regular yogurt.

Authentic Greek yogurt is strained to remove the whey which results in less lactose and less sugar. Plain Greek yogurt may also have more protein than regular yoghurt.

But take care, some manufacturers make Greek-style yogurt by adding thickening agents to regular yoghurt.