A GP has highlighted six bowel cancer symptoms following the death of Northern Irish athlete Ciara Mageean at the age of 34. The runner, who specialised in the 1,500 metres and won gold at the 2024 European Athletics Championships, died on Sunday, November 1 after a battle with bowel cancer.
Ciara was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in May 2025. A statement posted on her social media said: "At 6.30am this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam (may her soul be at the right hand of God)."
Early warning signs
Dr Maula Asiya from The Health Suite has shared the early signs of bowel cancer. With rates among under-50s having risen by more than 50% since the early 1990s, Dr Maula explained the signs that can easily be mistaken for IBS or everyday digestive issues, and why people should not assume they are too young to be affected.
Dr Maula said: "Many of these symptoms will have a straightforward explanation, and having one does not mean you have cancer. But it is important to pay attention to what is normal for your body. If something changes and does not go away, keeps coming back or is getting worse, speak to your GP. You do not need to wait until you have several symptoms, and you should never feel that you are too young to ask for help."
The six symptoms to look out for
The six signs of bowel cancer are:
- Blood in your poo: This can appear bright red or make stools look darker. Although there are many possible causes, unexplained bleeding should always be checked.
- A persistent change in bowel habits: This could mean going to the toilet more or less often than usual, or experiencing diarrhoea or constipation that does not settle.
- Ongoing bloating or stomach pain: Repeated discomfort, cramps or bloating that is unusual for you should not be ignored.
- Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without changing your diet or activity levels can be a warning sign.
- Unusual tiredness or breathlessness: Bowel cancer can sometimes cause anaemia through blood loss, leaving people feeling unusually exhausted or short of breath.
- Feeling that your bowel has not emptied properly: A persistent sensation that you still need to go after using the toilet is another symptom worth discussing with a GP.
Dr Maula advised people to seek medical advice if they experience unexplained bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habits or other symptoms that are unusual for them.
