Colorectal (bowel) cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, with around 1.9 million new cases in 2022, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is increasingly being found in adults under 50.
Picture a man who notices blood in the toilet and almost ignores it out of embarrassment. Instead, he mentions it to his nurse. The cancer is found at an early stage, when it is most treatable.
5 symptoms to mention
- Blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom
- A change in your bowel habits lasting three weeks or more, such as looser stools or constipation
- Tummy pain, bloating or a lump in your tummy
- Losing weight without trying
- Tiredness or breathlessness from anaemia (low iron)
Screening saves lives
Many countries offer home stool tests such as FIT, which detect tiny amounts of blood, or colonoscopy, usually from age 45 or 50. Screening can find cancer early and even remove growths called polyps before they turn into cancer.
Risk factors
- Age over 50
- Family history of bowel cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Eating a lot of red and processed meat
- Low fibre diet, obesity, inactivity, smoking and alcohol
Lowering your risk
- Eat more fibre: wholegrains, beans, vegetables and fruit
- Limit red and processed meat
- Stay active and keep a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Take part in screening when invited
“But blood in my poo is probably just piles.”
Piles are a common cause, but you cannot tell the difference by yourself. Any bleeding from the bottom, especially with a change in bowel habit, should be checked.
Your next step: If you are in the eligible age group, complete your bowel screening kit when it arrives. If you have any of these symptoms, book an appointment this week.
Related: Piles (haemorrhoids)
Sources: International Agency for Research on Cancer, GLOBOCAN 2022; World Health Organization colorectal cancer fact sheet; NHS bowel cancer guidance.
Leave a Reply