Bowel cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the UK, yet many people overlook its symptoms due to embarrassment or confusion with less serious conditions. Mr Jeremy Clark, a consultant general surgeon specialising in colorectal diseases at Nuffield Health in Brighton, has highlighted five critical warning signs that should never be ignored.
The first sign is blood in the stool. Clark explains that the colour can vary: bright red blood may indicate bleeding near the bottom, while dark or black blood suggests bleeding from higher up in the colon. He advises reporting any significant blood, especially if it is mixed with the stool, to a GP immediately. However, a small amount of bright red blood on toilet paper may be less concerning if you have haemorrhoids, but if it persists for more than a week, it should be investigated.
A persistent change in bowel habits is another key symptom. Clark notes that if your bowels suddenly become looser or more frequent, or if you experience persistent constipation that does not resolve after a couple of weeks, you should seek medical advice. Temporary changes lasting a day or two are usually not a cause for concern.
Abdominal pain and bloating can also be indicators. Clark states that bowel cancers can cause abdominal pain, which may be an early or late feature. Bloating is another common symptom when something is wrong in the bowel.
Unexplained weight loss is a further warning sign. Clark explains that bowel cancers can affect digestion, leading to weight loss. He emphasises that these symptoms often overlap with less serious conditions like haemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can lead people to dismiss them.
Clark urges the public not to delay reporting symptoms. “We don’t want people to be sitting on symptoms for a couple of months,” he says, as early detection improves outcomes. GPs may provide a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit for home use, with results typically available within two weeks. The NHS also offers routine FIT screening every two years for those aged 50 to 74.
