“One potential indicator of bowel cancer is any significant change in your pooing habits, which can vary from person to person,” said Dr Kinross, a colorectal surgeon at King Edward VII Hospital.
Try to be aware of your bowel movements, advised Dr Kinross, such as if your stools are persistently looser or runnier, and if the frequency has increased.
Dr Kinross cautioned: “If you’re noticing blood in your stools, and you don’t suffer from haemorrhoids, it may be a warning sign that something isn’t quite right.
“Normally your doctor will ask you to simply supply them with a stool sample.
“And they will use a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) to uncover any hidden blood in your stool.
“This will help them assess whether the problem is bowel cancer or another issue.”
Abdominal pain could also be a sign of bowel cancer, especially if discomfort or bloating is “always brought on by eating”.
If stomach pain becomes troublesome enough to deter you from eating, and you’re now losing weight because of it, Dr Kinross strongly recommended booking a doctor’s appointment.
“You may have a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage,” added Dr Kinross.
“You should always have any new lumps, or lumps which have increased in size, checked by your GP.”
Four signs of bowel cancer:
- Unusual bowel habits
- Blood in stools
- Abdominal pain
- Lumps
For those who may feel slightly embarrassed to talk about their symptoms, Dr Kinross shared his expert opinion.
“Early detection is one of the best ways to increase your chances of surviving from bowel cancer,” he began.
“And though talking about your poo – or bowel habits – may seem embarrassing, doctors are there to listen confidentially and without judgement.
“Talking to them will allow them to run the necessary tests and treat you as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The NHS bowel cancer screening is currently expanding to be available to everyone aged 50 to 74 years of age.
