A 26 year old woman battling bowel cancer through chemotherapy has shared the crucial warning signs everyone should watch for, after receiving her shock diagnosis with no prior health concerns.
More than 44,100 individuals across the UK receive bowel cancer diagnoses every year, with cases surging particularly among younger adults aged 25 to 50, according to Cancer Research UK figures.
Alarmingly, over 54% of these cases could have been prevented, with 28% directly linked to insufficient fibre intake.
Whilst bowel cancer has traditionally been associated with older patients, increasing numbers of younger people are receiving diagnoses in recent years.
Currently, 94% of UK bowel cancer cases occur in those over 50, with incidence rates reaching their peak in the 85-89 age bracket.
Although the condition can strike at any age, experts have noted a worrying increase in cases among under-50s, despite overall numbers remaining relatively low compared to older demographics.
Mum-of-two Bronwyn, 26, has taken to TikTok whilst undergoing cancer treatment following her bowel cancer diagnosis. She is now highlighting lesser-known symptoms of the disease whilst encouraging others to seek medical examinations.
“So I was 26 and I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. 26 is so young,” she explained, revealing how the diagnosis came as a complete surprise given her lack of family history and previously excellent health.
“And there are just some signs and symptoms that I wish I’d known about before being diagnosed, because maybe then I would have pushed my GP further,” she said.
“Because, obviously, you are never too young to get bowel cancer.”
What are the symptoms for bowel cancer?
“So the many symptoms to look for is blood in your poo or blood when your bum after going for a big fat poo,” she explained. “It doesn’t have to be a big fat poo, it can be any kind of poo.”
She continued by saying that you should also watch out for any alterations in your bowel patterns, such as needing to go more regularly or less frequently.
You might also be experiencing ongoing stomach pains, or feeling more bloated than usual.
After struggling to recall additional symptoms, blaming her ‘chemo brain’ she went on to reveal: “Feeling fatigued, I don’t know if I said that one, but yeah, that’s another sign.
“The other one that I was not aware of is a change in your poo’s shape,” she continued. “So, long thin pencil poos, I don’t mean they have to be like proper pencils, but thinning of your poos can also be a sign of bowel cancer. And obviously, if you’re just feeling that something is off, go and see your GP.”
She proceeded to say that if you experience any of these warning signs, you should visit your GP, particularly if they continue.
She also urged everyone over 50 to complete their fit tests when they arrive, even if they believe nothing is amiss. The NHS has outlined the primary symptoms of bowel cancer, which include changes in your stool or bowel habits, finding blood in your stool, experiencing abdominal pain, or discovering a lump in your abdomen.
While these symptoms do not necessarily indicate bowel cancer, it is crucial to consult with your GP if you experience any of them.