Bowel cancer, which is also known as colorectal cancer, is among the most common cancers in the UK, with nearly 43,000 people diagnosed every year. It is the second deadliest form of the disease, causing more than 16,500 deaths every year. Being wary of the symptoms could potentially save your life.
“You may experience a sharp pain or a lump in your stomach or back passage,” he said.
“Though this is likely to be benign, it may indicate a malignant growth.
“These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have bowel cancer, as they can all be caused by other, less serious conditions but if you’re concerned, and your symptoms cannot be explained by anything else or they don’t disappear after a couple of weeks, then it’s best to speak to your GP or another medical professional.”
Other symptoms of bowel cancer
Mr Kinross shared the earliest signs of the disease to look out for.
He said: “One of the most common early signs of bowel cancer is a significant change in bowel habits, for example pooing more often than normal or having looser, runnier stools.
“A feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bowels is also quite common if the tumour is in the rectum.
“This can be uncomfortable, and you may constantly feel the urge to go to the toilet.
“Finding blood in stools could also be an early sign of bowel cancer: if you notice there is blood appearing in your stools, and you don’t suffer from haemorrhoids, it may be a warning sign that something isn’t quite right.”
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However, there are other symptoms that do not affect going to the toilet.
“Some of the other symptoms of bowel cancer include persistent lower abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort – this will be caused by eating and may be associated with loss of appetite or significant unintentional weight loss,” he said.
“Abdominal pain itself can have a wide range of causes from muscle fatigue to period pains, but it can also be a sign of bowel cancer in rare circumstances, and it’s worth getting any new or unexplained symptoms checked out for your own peace of mind.”
How bowel cancer affects daily life
Mr Kinross added: “Some patients will experience tiredness, dizziness or breathlessness, which can often be the most debilitating part and have the biggest impact on their day-to-day life.
“For others, their bowel might become completely or partially blocked, preventing waste from food being digested and passed. This can happen when cancer grows into the nerve supply of the bowel and damages it, which can in turn stop the muscles from working.
“Symptoms of this can include feeling sick, constant tummy pain, vomiting large amounts and constipation, which again can be very disruptive and unpleasant.
“The earlier cancer is detected, the better the long term prognosis, so attending screenings when you’re invited, or flagging any unexplained symptoms to your doctor is very important.”
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of bowel cancer you should speak to your GP.
