New research has found that nearly 50 per cent of Scots don't know a vital bowel cancer sign that could lead to an early diagnosis of the deadly disease.
As Bowel Cancer Awareness month starts today, April 1, charity Bowel Cancer UK is partnering up with BBC to spread awareness through their campaign helping people to #KnowTheHigh5 symptoms. ISD Scotland reports that around 1,600 Scots die of the disease each year.
Of the five 'red flag' symptoms, the least known is blood in poo, as 40 percent of participants couldn't name it. What's worrying is that findings show that people are reluctant to report this to medical professionals due to embarrassment.
A survey of 195 adults living in Scotland found that nearly four in ten can’t name a single symptom of bowel cancer. The disease is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, but nearly three quarters of people — 72 percent — aren’t aware of this fact.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, says: "It’s concerning that people aren’t aware of the symptoms of the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. Someone dies from the disease every 30 minutes in the UK, which means that in the time it takes to watch an episode of your favourite soap, one family will lose a loved one to bowel cancer.
"But it doesn’t have to be this way as it is treatable and curable, especially when diagnosed early. That’s why this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month we’re launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the five red flag symptoms of the disease and asking people to take our #KnowTheHigh5 quiz."
Five red flag symptoms of bowel cancer
In addition to blood in poo, there are other four main bowel cancer symptoms experienced by many who go on to be diagnosed with the disease. The signs also have an alarmingly low rate of awareness.
Symptoms include:
- Blood in poo: 40 percent
- Change of bowel habits: 20 percent
- Pain or lump in tummy: 15 percent
- Weight loss: 11 percent
- Tiredness/fatigue: 3 percent
People living in Edinburgh are more likely to be aware of the red flag bowel cancer symptoms compared to the national average of the country - with 52 percent aware that blood in your poo is a red flag symptom of the disease.
Even more concerning is that 60 percent of people across Scotland said if they experienced a change in bowel habit like diarrhoea or constipation that didn't clear up - or saw bleeding from their bottom - something would stop them from contacting their doctor.
Their reasons included difficulties getting an appointment, being too embarrassed, or being too afraid that it could be something serious.
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer affects the large bowel, which consists of the colon and the rectum.
Cells in the body are supposed to grow in a controlled way and cancer occurs when these cells produce uncontrollably. Most bowel cancers develop from pre-cancerous growths called polyps, but not all polyps develop into cancer.
If polyps are detected, they can be removed by a doctor before they develop into cancer.
Bowel cancer risk factors
It is not exactly known what causes bowel cancer, but there are certain risk factors that may raise your likelihood of contracting it.
According to Bowel Cancer UK, you may be at a higher risk of getting bowel cancer for any of these reasons:
- Aged over 50
- A strong family history of bowel cancer
- A history of non-cancerous growths (polyps) in your bowel
- Longstanding inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Type 2 diabetes
- An unhealthy lifestyle
How can I prevent bowel cancer?
Scientists believe that over half of bowel cancer cases could be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
You can do this by:
- Increasing physical activity
- Reducing or cutting out alcohol
- Following a high fibre diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetable and whole grains
- Reducing intake of processed meats
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
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