April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month...#PassItOn!
Research shows that more than nine in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it’s diagnosed at the earliest stage. This is why this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Bowel Cancer UK are asking everyone to share the symptoms of the disease.
Knowing the symptoms is important to help spot bowel cancer early. The earlier it’s found, the more treatable it’s likely to be.
Knowing the symptoms is important to help spot bowel cancer early. The earlier it’s found, the more treatable it’s likely to be.
Bowel cancer can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity, or where you live. The most important thing to know is that – the earlier the disease is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be.
What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
Symptoms can include:
- bleeding from your bottom
- blood in your poo
- a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
- losing weight but you’re not sure why
- feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
- a pain or lump in your tummy
Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s still important to find out what’s causing them.
What should I do if I have symptoms of bowel cancer?
If you have any of these symptoms, or if you’re worried about any changes that you notice, visit your GP and ask about an at-home test. It’s important to know that not everyone will have all the symptoms of bowel cancer, or they may get different symptoms at different times. Even if you have just one symptom, your GP will want to see you.
