Bowel Cancer Symptoms

A recent, persistent change in bowel habit or blood in the stool 

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Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer or colon cancer, is cancer in any part of the colon or rectum.

 

Common symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

 

A recent, persistent change in bowel habit Such as looser, more diarrhoea-like bowel movements, constipation, or smaller more frequent bowel movements (i.e. going to the toilet more often, or trying to go - irregularity in someone whose bowel movements have previously been regular). A change in shape or appearance of bowel movements For example, narrower stools than usual or mucus in stools. Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding Bright red or very dark blood should never be ignored. Frequent gas pain, cramps A feeling of fullness or bloating in the bowel or rectum. A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after a bowel movement The bowel has not emptied completely after a bowel movement. Unexplained anaemia A low red blood count causing tiredness, weakness or weight loss. Rectal/anal pain or a lump in the rectum/anus Abdominal pain or swelling A lump of mass in your tummy.

 

Not everyone experiences symptoms, particularly in the early stages of bowel cancer.  The above symptoms may be suggestive of bowel cancer, but they can also be due to other medical conditions, some foods or medicines.

 

Don't delay in talking to your GP is you are experiencing any of the described symptoms for two weeks or more, because when diagnosed early 90 percent of cases can be successfully treated.

 

Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding should never be ignored. 

 

However old you are, you should never be told by your GP that you are too young to have bowel cancer.   While bowel cancer is more common in people aged 55 and over, it increasingly affects people of all ages.   Ask your GP to be referred to further investigations.