Cancers or conditions that can affect the bowels can cause symptoms that can be signs for concern. These include:
Changes in your bowel habits
Persistent changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool. You might also experience the feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely after a bowel movement.
Blood in your poo
You might notice rectal bleeding or blood in your poo, which can appear as bright red or dark stools. Blood might also appear on toilet paper when you wipe or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement.
A painful tummy
Persistent abdominal pain, cramps, or discomfort are common, as is a feeling of fullness, bloating, or gas pain.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight quickly without trying can be a sign of a gastrointestinal condition, including bowel cancer.
Fatigue and weakness
You might feel persistent tiredness or weakness that doesn't improve appropriate levels of rest and sleep.
Iron-deficiency anaemia
Due to chronic blood loss from rectal bleeding, some people may develop anaemia. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
It is important to note that these symptoms are also associated with other conditions such as haemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or infections.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit a healthcare professional for an examination and screening tests. Early detection is key to effectively treating cancer, especially bowel or rectal cancer.