Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers to be diagnosed in the UK. You should consider speaking to a doctor if you find that your stools are persistently runnier than usual, it’s been revealed.
Bowel cancer is a general term for any cancer that develops in the large bowel, and it may sometimes be known as colon or rectal cancer.
The early warning signs of bowel cancer can be very subtle, and many people may not be aware that they’re at risk.
That’s why it’s crucial that you always check your stools after using the toilet.
One of the key warning signs of bowel cancer is having looser stools than normal.
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“The symptoms of bowel cancer can be subtle and do not necessarily make you feel ill,” it said.
“However, it’s worth trying simple treatments for a short time to see if they get better.
“A persistent change in bowel habit [could be a sign – pooing more often, with looser, runnier poos and sometimes tummy (abdominal) pain.
“Make sure you see your GP if your symptoms persist or keep coming back after stopping treatment, regardless of their severity or your age.”
But just because you have looser stools than normal, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have bowel cancer.
Diarrhoea is very common, and usually gets better by itself within a few days.
If you have diarrhoea, you should stay at home and drink plenty of fluids.
It’s crucial that you wash your hands regularly, and speak to a pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter treatments.