Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. It mostly affects those over the age of 60.
Symptoms of the disease can be subtle and don’t always make you feel ill, so people may not always be aware they have it.
According to the NHS, more than 90 per cent of people with bowel cancer have one of three main symptoms.
These comprise a persistent change in bowel habits, blood in the stools, and abdominal pain.
Changes in bowel habits can include needing to go to the toilet more often, stools becoming looser and tummy pain when going to the toilet.
Blood in the stools may be related to bowel cancer if it occurs for no obvious reason or is associated with a change in bowel habit.
Abdominal pain or discomfort may come alongside bloating and is always brought on by eating. This can result in loss of appetite and weight loss.
However, these symptoms can also signify other, less serious stomach or bowel problems.
Changes in bowel habits, for example, are often a result of eating something the body doesn’t agree with or can’t digest properly.
Blood in the stools which comes alongside pain or soreness is often caused by piles.
Changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain can also be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome.
“Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer. Other health problems can cause similar symptoms,” said the NHS.
So how do you know if your tummy or bowel problems are a sign of bowel cancer and when should you see a GP?
The NHS advises seeing a doctor if you have one or more bowel cancer symptoms and they have persisted for more than four weeks.
If symptoms persist or keep coming back after simple treatments, it’s also advisable to see your GP.
This is especially important for those over the age of 60, but should still be checked out whatever your age.
“These symptoms should be taken more seriously as you get older and when they persist despite simple treatments,” said the NHS.
“Make sure you see your doctor if your symptoms persist or keep coming back after stopping treatment, regardless of their severity or your age.”
In England, everyone aged 60 to 74 who is registered with a GP is eligible for NHS bowel cancer screening.
This can help detect bowel cancer before symptoms appear, making it easier to treat and improving the chances of survival.