A medic has revealed five crucial warning signs of a fatal cancer that “could save your life”. The healthcare professional advises you should “check in” with a GP if you experience any of these symptoms.
In a clip posted to social media platform TikTok, Doctor Karan Rajan outlined several worrying indicators of bowel cancer.
The condition, which is also referred to as colorectal cancer, ranks among the most frequent types of cancer across the UK.
Figures from Cancer Research UK reveal around 44,100 people in the UK receive a diagnosis of the illness each year.
It results in roughly 16,800 deaths per year, positioning it as the second most lethal cancer nationwide.
Recent research has also emphasised that it is becoming increasingly common in individuals under 50 years of age.
Dr Rajan, who goes by Dr Raj online, explained: “Warning signs of bowel cancer and the last two will change your toilet habits.
“Bowel cancer is on the rise, especially in younger people, and knowing these signs could save your life.”
He identified the most frequent symptoms as:
- Tummy pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Rectal bleeding
- A change in bowel habits
He explained: “Five – persistent tummy pain, which doesn’t go away. Four – unintentional weight loss.
“You’re dropping weight, but you’re not trying to. This can sometimes be a sign of the metabolic activity of cancer.
“Three – unexplained fatigue. The bleeding from bowel cancer can drain your blood levels, leading to tiredness and lethargy.
“Two – rectal bleeding. If you notice blood in your stool, never assume it’s normal and something like haemorrhoids, always get it checked out.
“One – a persistent change in your bowel habits over several weeks. Sometimes bowel cancer can physically block stool or only allow liquid to pass, leading to constipation or diarrhoea.”
He continued: “If you notice any of these, please check in with a healthcare professional.”
Dr Raj explained there are steps you can take to lower your risk of bowel cancer.
He added: “The good news is there’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk of cancer, like checking your poo every time before you flush so you know what’s normal for you.”
He also recommended the following:
- More fibre in your diet
- Stopping smoking and vaping
- Reducing alcohol consumption to reduce your risk of multiple cancers
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, speak to your GP.