Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Almost nine out of 10 people with bowel cancer are over the age of 60.
If you’re aged between 60 and 74, you will be invited to take part in bowel cancer screening every two years in England. For Scotland and Wales, screenings are held even earlier from the age of 50.
It’s your choice whether to take part in the screening programme. The sooner bowel cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Here are the main symptoms of bowel cancer to watch out for and who’s most at risk .
Read more: The bowel cancer symptoms Deborah James wanted everyone to look out for
What are the bowel cancer symptoms to look out for?
The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are persistent blood in your poo, a persistent change in your bowel habit and persistent lower abdominal pain such as bloating or discomfort.
Other health problems can also cause similar symptoms, but these symptoms should be taken seriously as you get older and when they continue to persist despite treatment. Constipation, where you pass harder stools less often, is usually not a cause for concern.
If any bowel related problems persist for more than three weeks then get medical advice. If you suspect a case of bowel cancer, you will need to get a blood test and stool test done.
Who’s at risk?
The exact cause of bowel cancer isn’t known. However, there are a number of things that can increase your risk and these include age (aged 60 and over are more at risk), a diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre, overweight or obese people and inactive people.
A high alcohol intake and smoking could also increase your chances of getting bowel cancer as well as having a close relative who developed bowel cancer under the age of 50. Some people have an increased risk because they have severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease over a long period of time.
READ NEXT:
Bowel cancer symptoms and expert tips to reduce risk of diagnosis
Bowel cancer symptoms as doctors warn of six toilet habit changes to look out for
Dame Deborah James dies at 40 after 5-year bowel cancer battle
Aldi lists bowel cancer red flag warnings in major change to loo roll packaging
Bowel cancer: Two symptoms that may be early signs of the disease
