Bowel cancer stands as the fourth most common cancer throughout the UK, with roughly 44,100 new cases identified each year, figures from Cancer Research UK reveal. However, most cases can also be prevented, and recognising certain early warning signs can drastically improve outcomes for patients.
People diagnosed with stage one bowel cancer – the initial stage – have a 90% chance of living five years or more after diagnosis. But those diagnosed at stage four face only a 10% probability of surviving five years or beyond.
Dr Ben, known online through his platforms Medicina y Mente, highlighted four specific warning signs that could indicate early symptoms. Most of these may only become noticeable during or after toilet visits.
He took to TikTok with a short video urging people to “see a doctor as soon as possible” if they start experiencing the following symptoms:
- Blood in the stool
- Changes in bowel habits
- Significant weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
He elaborated on the second warning sign, explaining that such changes could include: “If you are constipated and suddenly have loose stools, be careful”. Dr Ben highlighted that the last two symptoms are only a cause for concern if there’s no other explanation, such as losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine.
He warned: “Any of these signs may be an alarm. Your body may be telling you that something is wrong. Go to your doctor so they can tell you what the next step is.”
The NHS urges individuals to seek medical advice if they’ve been experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or more. It advises: “Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms.”
Other symptoms of colon cancer according to the NHS :
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- Tummy pain
- A lump in your tummy
- Bloating
- Feeling short of breath
Anyone who notices bloody diarrhoea or stools that are black or dark red should call 111 or arrange an urgent GP appointment. Having any of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have colon cancer.
However, it is vital to get checked out by a GP if needed to determine the cause of the problem.
The NHS also offers bowel cancer screening programmes for everyone aged 50 to 74. These tests can be done at home and sent off for analysis. This method can detect cancer before any symptoms show up.