A worrying half of UK adults can't identify bowel cancer symptoms when looking at their stools – despite the signs being very well publicised in recent years.
Activist Dame Deborah James has repeatedly spelt out what to look for since being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2016.
Deborah, who has raised more than £6 million for Cancer Research UK, sadly passed away yesterday (June 28) and even encouraged people to "check their poo - it might just save your life" in a final statement released by her family.
The fact that so many are still unaware of the symptoms is a real concern for health professionals.
The shocking findings were part of Bupa’s 2022 Wellbeing Index, which says 23 per cent of 8,000 surveyed never actually inspect their stools for potential warning signs.
Bupa says around 43,000 in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, with some 16,500 unfortunately losing their life to the disease.
The study noted that half (54 per cent) of all bowel cancers are preventable.
The report stated: “If it is caught early, treatment can cure bowel cancer and stop it coming back. However, survival rates decrease dramatically if it’s diagnosed at a later stage”.
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What are the symptoms?
- Blood in the stool and a change of bowel habits
- Abdominal pain
- Discomfort or bloating brought on by eating
Just 49 per cent of respondents knew about the above signs to watch for.
Another worrying survey discovery was that some 43 per cent of women and 48 per cent of over-65s have never accepted an invitation for a cancer screening.
Consultant general surgeon at Bupa’s Cromwell Hospital Shahnawaz Rasheed said: “There is so much we could do to improve this picture. Increasing intakes of fruit and vegetables, and other high-fibre food, minimising alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight will all reduce the risk of developing problems.
“While being alert to symptoms, taking up invitations for screening and raising any concerns with your GP will all dramatically increase the chances of surviving a diagnosis. For many people this can be an embarrassing topic, but no one should ever die from embarrassment.”
