‘I’m a bowel cancer expert – here are five signs not to ignore in the new year’

It is natural for us to indulge over the New Year, with the average Briton consuming over 5,300 calories on Christmas Day. But the symptoms of overeating can be similar to the symptoms of bowel cancer.

Michelle Geraghty-Corns, gut health expert and founder of eternalbeing, explained: “Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer. One of the reasons this cancer is so fatal is the late detection of the disease, which is why we are pushing for awareness.

“Bowel cancer is most curable and treatable at the early stages, so it is crucial to get checked if you do spot any unusual signs in your bowel movements.”

Michelle said the most common symptoms of bowel cancer are:

• Changes in your poo – this could be experiencing diarrhoea, constipation or softer poo
• Experiencing more frequent bowel movements
• Blood in your stools
• Bleeding from your bottom
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Losing weight without trying
• Feeling fatigued

Michelle explained: “Over the festive season of December and January, it is common to experience symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, and more frequent bowel movements since individuals tend to change their diet.

“This can often lead to people ignoring their symptoms, assuming that it is ‘just the Christmas bloat’.

“For this reason, if you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a GP urgently for further investigation.”

A GP will normally perform a digital rectal examination which takes less than one minute and ask for a stool sample which will be examined for traces of blood.

Michelle added: “If you have been diagnosed with bowel cancer, we often recommend patients to try enemas which have become a popular treatment for those diagnosed with the disease, as they can be done from home.

“As the colon becomes blocked, this can cause additional stress and weight for people as the body struggles to rid itself of toxins which have built up over time.

“Some of the benefits of enema include improved digestion, increased energy levels, and enhanced nutrient absorption. Colonic hydrotherapy for bowel cancer patients is still not allowed in the UK but is more widely accepted outside of the UK.

“Prevention is always better than the cure and at eternalbeing, we offer tests for bowel cancer to detect tumours, polyps and blood in the stool.”