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Most people attribute bowel cancer symptoms as a reaction to spicy food they eat. Bowel cancer is one of the major types of cancer that is affecting a lot of people. There are lot of factors that can lead to the development of bowel cancer.
Factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, digestive problems, diabetes, genetic problems etc are some of the major causes of the problem. It is therefore very important to detect the problem of bowel cancer because only an early detection can helps in proper treatment.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described here in this article, then you are best to talk to your doctor. It could be nothing, and you are probably absolutely fine, but for your peace of mind, it is worth getting it checked out.
1. Looser stools: Everyone can have the odd bout of diarrhea, from dodgy food, stress or (for women) that time of the month. But if you notice a change to your normal bowel habits that last longer than four to six weeks (though some experts say three), it needs to be checked. This is particularly the case if your stools are looser.
2. Stools with blood: Very often, blood in stools is from piles (haemorrhoids), especially if it is bright red, fresh blood – this is because piles are basically swollen veins in the back passage which can easily get damaged when you poo, causing a small amount of bleeding. But if the blood seems darker, it could be a sign of cancer higher up in the bowel, which has time to go darker as it moves through the bowel. Your stool will be very dark, almost like tar. It could also be bleeding from an ulcer, but either way, you need to see the doctor and get it checked.
3. More frequent stools: Similar to above, if you notice you’re needing to go a lot more often (and haven’t really changed your diet), it could be an early sign that something’s up.
4. Straining to poo: Constipation, like diarrhoea, is something everyone might have occasionally, but like diarrhoea, if it’s ongoing, you need to aware. Sometimes the cancer tumour can block the bowel, leading to symptoms of intense pains in the abdomen, bloating, being sick, and being constipated.
5. Straining to poo but not actually ‘going’: Sometimes, feeling like you need to go, even though you don’t, can be an early symptom of bowel cancer.
6. Losing weight: without dieting, maybe due to having an reduced appetite, or feeling bloated or sick
Other symptoms of bowel cancer include:
7. Pain in your abdomen or back passage: constant or intermittent pain that may be linked to going to the toilet or might come and go
8. Unexplained tiredness
9. Breathlessness
10. Dizziness
Remember not all these symptoms always mean cancer; and not all people will suffer the same symptoms. If you’re worried, see your doctor immediately.
