Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
There are lots of common conditions that affect our bowels and bottoms and most of us are likely to suffer from one or other of them at some time in our lives. For example, changes of bowel habit, rectal bleeding (bleeding from the bottom), or tummy pains are commonplace and providing they go away within a few weeks, there is no need to worry. However, if symptoms persist beyond six weeks, its time to get things checked out by your GP.
Symptoms to look out for
Change in bowel habit – pooing more often, with looser, runnier poos and sometimes tummy (abdominal) pain
Rectal bleeding from back passage (not associated with piles) although people over 60 with rectal bleeding are more likely to need investigation as piles may be masking other more serious symptoms
Abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating
Unexplained anaemia with or without tiredness
A lump or mass in your tummy which can be felt by a doctor
Losing weight but you are not sure why.
Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have bowel cancer, but you should find out what is causing them. We cannot stress enough, that the symptoms above are simply a guide and that if you have any doubts whatsoever about any condition, you should always seek professional medical advice.
