Discussing bowel habits might feel uncomfortable for many, but reporting any unusual changes to a doctor is vital for early detection of serious conditions like bowel cancer. As one of the most common cancers in the UK, awareness of its symptoms and screening methods remains limited.
In recognition of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this April, we spoke to Mr. Jeremy Clark, a consultant general surgeon specialising in colorectal diseases at Nuffield Health in Brighton. He highlights five critical symptoms that should never be overlooked:
- Blood in the Stool
“Seeing blood when you use the toilet is a serious warning sign,” says Clark. The blood color can vary from bright red to almost black depending on the bleeding location.
“If bleeding originates near the start of the colon, the blood travels several feet and turns dark black. Bleeding from lower down the bowel appears as bright red,” he explains.
Even a single instance of dark or mixed blood in stools warrants immediate medical attention. Persistent bright red blood should also be evaluated, especially if it lasts longer than a week or if you don’t have a history of hemorrhoids.
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Changes in Bowel Habits
“A sudden shift from your usual routine—like going to the bathroom multiple times a day with looser stools—needs investigation,” Clark notes.
While constipation alone isn’t typically a major risk factor, any persistent changes lasting more than two weeks should be reported. Brief episodes that resolve quickly are less concerning.
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Abdominal Pain
“Pain in the abdomen can be caused by bowel cancers,” Clark states. Although often a later symptom, it can sometimes appear early, and should never be ignored.
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Bloating
Feeling unusually bloated might indicate a problem with your bowel, adds Clark. Persistent bloating should prompt medical advice.
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Unexplained Weight Loss
“Bowel cancer can interfere with digestion, leading to weight loss,” explains Clark. Because symptoms often overlap with conditions like hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), people might dismiss signs that need closer attention.
Early reporting of these changes is crucial for better treatment outcomes. “We don’t want people waiting months hoping symptoms will resolve. While bowel cancers usually develop slowly, some can be aggressive,” Clark emphasizes.
“It’s better to investigate early and find nothing than to delay treatment when it may be more challenging.”
If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about changes you notice, make an appointment with your GP. “GPs often provide a FIT kit (Faecal Immunochemical Test), which you can use at home to collect a stool sample. This is then sent to a lab for testing,” Clark explains.
Results usually arrive within two weeks. Additionally, people aged 50 to 74 receive FIT kits every two years through the national bowel cancer screening programme—whether they have symptoms or not.
“If the test is positive, meaning blood is detected, further investigation with a colonoscopy or CT scan will be arranged to check for polyps or cancer,” says Clark. “Early detection makes treatment much more effective and improves chances of a full recovery.”
Don’t ignore your body’s signs – prompt action could save your life.