Six warning signs of bowel cancer revealed

It’s one of the deadliest cancers, killing nearly 80,000 people in the UK and US per year.

Yet, like with most tumours, not everyone knows the tell-tale symptoms.

Experts say the lack of awareness can scupper survival rates, with early diagnosis key for beating the disease.

Here, MailOnline highlights the warning signs of bowel cancer so you know when to speak to a professional. 

It comes after BBC Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts said receiving early treatment helped ‘save my life’. 

The 44-year-old revealed that she was undergoing treatment in October 2021 after her stage two diagnosis. 

She later had surgery to remove a tumour and started using a stoma bag. Last June she announced she was cancer-free. 

Bleeding

Finding blood in your poo can be alarming.

Bright red blood — indicating that it’s fresh — can be caused by piles. 

But drops of blood in your stool can also be caused by non-cancerous growths known as polyps, according to Bowel Cancer UK. 

However, dark or black blood may be a sign of cancer, Cancer Research says. 

This is because bowel tumours, usually located higher up in the digestive tract, can trigger bleeding internally.  

Anyone experiencing blood in their poo should consult their doctor to find out what is causing it. 

Screening programmes also check for hidden blood in poo and also polyps as these can develop into cancer.  

Change in bowel habit

Changes in your usual bowel habits could also be a potential warning sign of bowel cancer. 

It could be as simple as needing to go to the toilet more often or feeling as though you are not fully emptying your bowels. 

‘One potential indicator of bowel cancer is any significant change in your pooing habits – which can vary from person to person’, says colorectal surgeon James Kinross, of King Edward VII Hospital in London.

He added: ‘For example, pooing more often than normal, or having looser, runnier stools. 

‘This would be more likely related to an external factor such as stress, eating more fibre or a change in diet, but it’s worth getting yourself checked if the problem persists.’

This change in habit can be caused by the presence of a tumour causing partial obstruction in the bowel and constipation. 

It can also cause diarrhoea if the tumour leaks fluid into your bowels. 

The change could happen for no obvious reason and if it lasts for longer than three weeks, you should get it checked by your GP, Macmillan says.

Weight loss

Although an uncommon sign of bowel cancer, unexplained weight loss is still one to look out for and mention to your GP.   

This symptom can be due to a tumour making you feel sick or bloated, says Bowel Cancer UK. 

A tumour can also block the bowel, which can cause pain in the stomach putting you off eating, explains the charity.

Dr Kinross said: ‘Abdominal pain can have a wide range of causes from muscle fatigue to period pains.

‘But it can also be a sign of bowel cancer. 

‘Discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating — which can lead you to eat less, and in turn lose weight — is something that needs to be assessed by a medical professional.’

Tiredness

Bowel cancer can make you feel tired.

This can be down to the tumour bleeding internally, which can develop into anaemia — when there is a lack of red blood cells in the body.

You may feel very tired and have pale skin due as a knock-on effect. 

Anaemia can also cause dizziness and breathlessness, according to Macmillan. 

Tumours often develop into masses that can be felt. Your doctor may be able to feel the lump, which is more commonly found on your right side, says Cancer Research UK

Pain or lump 

A lump or pain in your stomach area or back passage is a warning sign of a tumour in the bowel.

Your doctor may be able to feel the lump, which is more commonly found on your right side, says Cancer Research UK. 

It may make you feel like you need to strain, even after opening your bowels. 

Dr Kinross said: ‘Though this is likely to be benign, it may indicate a malignant growth.’

You should visit your GP if these symptoms do not go away, especially if it is affecting how you are eating and sleeping, says Bowel Cancer UK. 

Bowel obstruction 

Pain, bloating and feeling sick can sometimes be caused by a bowel obstruction, such as a tumour.

Cancer Research UK warned that people who have this symptom should visit their GP straight away or go to A&E. 

It is usually a sign the cancer has advanced.

It can happen when a tumour puts pressure on the bowel, or grows into the nerve supply and damages it.  

‘Early detection is one of the best ways to increase your chances of surviving from bowel cancer,’ says Dr Kinross. 

He added: ‘And though talking about your poo – or bowel habits – may seem embarrassing, doctors are there to listen confidentially and without judgement.

‘Talking to them will allow them to run the necessary tests and treat you as quickly and efficiently as possible.’