There are more than 200 types of cancer that can affect the human body. The disease occurs when abnormal cells divide and spread in an uncontrolled way.
Of these cancers, some are far more prevalent than others. In the UK, one such form of cancer is bowel cancer, which accounts for around 11 percent of new diagnoses.
It is also the second most deadly type of cancer, leading to around 16,800 deaths every year, Cancer Research UK says.
Also known as colorectal cancer, more than nine out of 10 new cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50, however, it can affect anyone of any age.
And concerningly, rates of the disease in Europe are rising quickest among people aged between 20 and 49.
Like any disease, the sooner it is caught, the sooner it can be treated.
However, bowel cancer does not always present with symptoms, and when it does it can mean that the disease has already advanced.
The Moffitt Cancer Centre, in the US, explains: “Like many other types of cancer, colon cancer often does not present any symptoms in its early stages.
“By the time the cancer has advanced to stage four (metastasized), a number of symptoms may occur depending on where in the body the cancer has spread.
“However, not everyone will experience symptoms – or the same set of symptoms – as every patient’s experience is unique.
“Colon cancer is typically slow-growing, starting as a benign polyp that eventually becomes malignant.
“This process may occur over many years without producing any symptoms. Once colon cancer has developed, it may still be years before it is detected.
“Therefore, estimating how long it takes for colon cancer to become metastatic and show symptoms can be tricky.”
So what are the red flag signs everyone needs to be aware of and to look out for.?
According to the NHS there are 10 key symptoms to watch for – although these may not affect everyone with the disease:
- Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- 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
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired for no reason.
It is also important to note that these symptoms are quite common and can be caused by other conditions and illnesses.
Having the symptoms therefore does not definitely mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s still important to get checked by a GP.
If any of these symptoms last three weeks or longer you should see your GP.
You should get an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
- Your poo is black or dark red
- You have bloody diarrhoea.
However, you should call 999 or go to A&E if:
- You’re bleeding non-stop from your bottom
- There’s a lot of blood, for example, the toilet water turns red or you see large blood clots.