Bowel cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the UK, yet public awareness of its symptoms and screening procedures is often lacking. A persistent taboo around discussing bowel movements can prevent people from seeking medical advice early, which is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
Mr Jeremy Clark, a consultant general surgeon specialising in colorectal diseases at Nuffield Health in Brighton, has highlighted five key warning signs that should prompt a visit to the GP. The first is blood in the stool. Clark explains that the colour can vary: bright red blood may indicate bleeding lower down in the bowel, while dark or black blood suggests bleeding from the beginning of the colon. Any significant blood, especially if mixed in with the stool, should be reported immediately. 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.
The second symptom is a persistent change in bowel habits. If your bowels suddenly become looser or more frequent, or if you experience sudden constipation that does not resolve, this warrants attention. Clark advises that a change lasting for a couple of weeks should be reported, whereas a brief fluctuation of a day or two is usually not a concern.
Abdominal pain and bloating are also potential signs. Clark notes that pain tends to be a later feature but can occur early on. Bloating is another common symptom. Unexplained weight loss is the fifth warning sign, as bowel cancers can affect digestion and lead to weight loss.
Clark emphasises that these symptoms overlap with less serious conditions such as haemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is why people often dismiss them. However, early reporting is critical. “We don’t want people to be sitting on symptoms for a couple of months,” he says, as bowel cancers can occasionally be aggressive.
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your GP. They may provide a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit for at-home use, with results typically available within two weeks. A positive result indicates blood in the stool and leads to further investigation, such as a colonoscopy or CT scan. The NHS also offers FIT kits every two years to people aged 50 to 74 as part of the national bowel cancer screening programme.
