Bowel Cancer: Spot the Signs and Act Early
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the upper and lower parts of the bowel. It is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and, locally, it is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. However, it is also one of the most treatable and curable cancers, especially when found early.
When bowel cancer is diagnosed at the earliest stage, nearly everyone survives. Sadly, survival rates drop as the cancer develops, which is why awareness, screening and acting on symptoms are so important.
The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are:
- Blood in your poo
- Changes in your bowel habits, such as looser or more frequent stools
- Tummy (abdominal) pain
Other symptoms can include:
- Diarrhoea or constipation that isn’t normal for you
- Feeling like you need to poo even after going to the toilet
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Black or red poo
- Bloating or a lump in your tummy
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling very tired for no clear reason
Bowel cancer can also cause anaemia, which may leave you feeling tired, short of breath or give you headaches. These symptoms can also be related to non-cancerous conditions, such as polyps.
Who can get bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is more common in people over 50, but it can affect people of any age. Younger people can and do get bowel cancer, so symptoms should never be ignored.
Your risk can be affected by:
- Age and family history
- Genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Long‑term bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Diet and lifestyle
It’s estimated that over half of bowel cancer cases could be prevented, particularly by:
- Eating more fibre
- Reducing processed meat
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Cutting down on alcohol and stopping smoke
For more information on reducing your risk, visit Reducing your risk | About bowel cancer | Bowel Cancer UK).
Bowel screening saves lives
The bowel cancer screening programme helps find cancer early or spot changes in the bowel before cancer develops. If you are eligible, you will be sent a simple home testing kit every two years.
Screening can save lives by detecting cancer early, when treatment is most effective. If you receive a kit, please use it – even if you feel well.
If you notice any symptoms of bowel cancer at any age, speak to your GP as soon as possible. Getting checked early could save your life.
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