What To Do If You’re Worried About Bowel Cancer Symptoms

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer out there, with around 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women developing it during their lifetime. But it's also one of the least talked-about cancers. Because of where it is in the body and the symptoms it can present; many people often feel embarrassed to talk about it. Some even try to ignore the symptoms, pretending they aren't there and hoping they will go away.

The thing is, bowel cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer there is - but treatment is critical. Without it, the symptoms will get worse and can even be fatal. So if you're worried about bowel cancer symptoms, it's important you seek medical attention.

What Are The Symptoms of Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer can affect absolutely anyone, regardless of age, gender, location or ethnicity. The symptoms can come on gradually or all at once, so it’s important to know what the symptoms are so that you can be aware.

Symptoms of bowel cancer include:

• Bleeding from the bottom

• Blood in your poo

• A change in poo habits. You might go more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that comes and goes

• Losing weight without being sure why

• Feeling very tired all the time, but not being sure why

• A pain or lump in your tummy that doesn't go away.

Remember that having these symptoms doesn't always mean you have bowel cancer, but they are symptoms that need to be explored and identified.

What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms of Bowel Cancer?

If you're concerned about your symptoms, or you've noticed some changes that are worrying you, then your first port of call should always be your GP. They will likely recommend an at-home test to rule out bowel cancer, even if you only have 1 symptom.

What Is An At-Home Test?

An at-home test pretty much does what it says on the tin - it's a test you do at home. It was developed because most people aren't able to poo on demand, so being able to test on your own time in the comfort of your own have is much simpler.

The GP will give you something called a faecal immunochemical test to do. The next time you go to the bathroom, you'll need to collect a small amount of poo, which will be sent to a lab. They are looking for evidence of blood in your poo - even small traces, to determine if they need to do more tests.

What If I Don't Want To See My GP?

Bowel, cancer is nothing to mess around with, so it's always our advice to speak to your GP. But we know that in itself can be difficult for some people too. The good news is that there are a range of at home tests that you can order online and send off for analysis. This can confirm whether or not you need to see a GP. The bad news is that if your results come back and need following up with a doctor, your GP will likely ask you to do another one!

What's The Outlook For Bowel Cancer?

Almost 43,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer every single year with a total of 268,000 people in the UK having been diagnosed.

If it’s caught early, bowel cancer is a very treatable and curable form of cancer. The number of people who die of bowel cancer has significantly decreased since the 1970's, thanks in part to earlier diagnosis, better treatment options and the launch of the nationwide screening program. But treatment success varies depending on how early its caught, which is why it's important to get any symptoms of bowel cancer early.

If you are experiencing symptoms, act now. Don't regret it later!