Bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) is one of the most common cancers globally. In 2020 alone, there were over 1.9 million new cases and 930,000 deaths worldwide. By 2040, experts estimate this figure could rise to 3.2 million cases annually.
But there’s good news: bowel cancer is treatable when caught early. Recognizing the warning signs can make a life-saving difference.
Moving fast could save your life, and this guide is going to outline ten early bowel cancer symptoms you should not dismiss.
Global Survival Rates for Bowel Cancer
Understanding the urgency of early detection becomes clearer when you see the survival data:
As the above charts show, early detection can make a difference between long-term recovery and a life-threatening situation.
Source: American Cancer Society , Fight Colorectal Cancer Foundation
10 Early Warning Signs of Bowel Cancer
If you detect any of the signs below, then don’t avoid. These symptoms may look small, but they can quietly trigger something serious growing in the bowel.
1. Blood in Your Stool
Among the most common symptoms would be to notice blood in your stool, which could be either dark as well as bright red or tar-like. It is possible as it could be caused by piles or cuts but you would like to be sure that you are not dealing with something serious, so consult your doctor regularly.
2. Changes in Bowel Habits
You shouldn’t ignore a frequent change in how you go to the bathroom or in the consistency of your stool (loose, narrow or hard). In case this particular change lasts for 3 weeks or even longer, talk with your GP.
3. Unusual Weight Loss
Losing weight without changing your food or play time could show something is wrong. Bowel cancer weakens your body’s ability to consume nutrients which causes sudden weight loss.
4. Ongoing Fatigue or Weakness
As a result of internal bleeding, persistent fatigue even after rest might suggest low levels of iron. Bowel cancer signs and symptoms which result in fatigue might be subtle and build up as time passes.
5. Cramping or Abdominal pains.
Regular pain or cramping in your stomach, especially if it doesn’t follow food or sickness which may signal a tumour growing in the bowel.
6. Feeling Like Your Bowel Doesn’t Empty Completely
You might have an obstruction or tumour in the rectum or lower bowel if you frequently feel the urge to go after you have used the restroom.
7. Narrow and Ribbon-like Stools
A stool which seems uncommonly thin could suggest that something is clogging the bowel passage. Although never serious, this particular change ought to be discussed with a physician.
8. Vomiting or nausea
Bowel cancer may result in nausea, bloating, as well as vomiting if it starts to block the intestinal tract. This symptom is particularly worrying in case it happens together with some other signs.
9. Low Iron Levels
Anaemia is the consequence of blood loss from the intestine. The signs and symptoms consist of shortness of breath, paleness, and exhaustion. You need to speak to your physician and obtain a good examination in case your iron levels are low.
10. Rectum or Abdomen Pain or Lump In the Abdomen or Rectum
A firm mass in your stomach or rectal area, or any persistent pain in that region, may point to a more advanced issue. These signs should be taken seriously.
Why These Symptoms Are Often Missed
Many of the bowel cancer symptoms overlap with common digestive issues like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), piles, or food intolerances. But if something feels off, it’s always best to investigate especially if you are over 50 or have a family history of bowel cancer.
Worryingly, bowel cancer is now being seen more often in younger adults. Recognising early bowel cancer symptoms and getting the right bowel cancer symptoms treatment as soon as possible can make all the difference.
Bowel Cancer Symptoms Treatment
When diagnosed, bowel cancer symptoms treatment is going to depend on the stage as well as the location of the tumour. Typical treatments include :
- Surgery: Often the very first option, particularly for early-stage cancers.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment which is used to destroy cancer cells which continue to be active after surgery or even in complex cases.
- Radiation: Radiation is often used to reduce tumours in rectal cancers before surgery.
- Targeted treatments: Medications that primarily target cancer cells while not destroying healthy tissue.
Early-stage cancers typically respond better to therapy and tend to be much less aggressive.
How to Lower Your Risk
Here are a few proven ways to reduce your risk of bowel cancer:
- Eat a high-fibre diet like whole grains, legumes, veg, fruit
- Avoid processed & red meats
- Try to avoid consuming alcohol and quitting smoking
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Get screened from age 50+
A recent study showed that munching five walnuts a day fights off colorectal cancer by using their strong anti-inflammatory powers. Also, magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens and seeds boost digestion and fix DNA naturally.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous kinds of bowel cancer, and not all of them include serious side effects. Frequently, it starts quietly – with minor changes within your body which are easy to overlook. If you identify early the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, you might be able to save much of your life.
Do not delay in case you experience any of the ten signs mentioned here, particularly in case they last for over 2 to 3 weeks.
Have a chat with your physician and obtain a suggestion for additional tests. Early detection results in better treatment as well as better survival rates, so take note of it. Make sure you protect your health by remaining informed and taking action early.
