2 minutes read2 minutes readCancer advocate and broadcaster Dame Deborah James died at age 40 from bowel cancer. She was a fierce supporter of bowel cancer testing and had raised millions of dollars for bowel cancer charities. James was the co-host of BBC’s Radio 5 Live, as well, which is a podcast about living with cancer.
We want to do our part to support James’ efforts to raise awareness of bowel cancer.
What Is Bowel Cancer?
Bowel cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the bowel. When bowel cancer begins in the rectum, it’s known as rectal cancer. If the cancer is in the colon or large intestine, it’s called colon cancer.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. There may be no signs of bowel cancer until it is very advanced. Because there may be no early symptoms, it is essential to have regular colorectal cancer screenings. You should also have a bowel cancer test if you notice any symptoms.
Signs of Bowel Cancer
Here are five symptoms of bowel cancer that you should know about.
1. Unexplained Bleeding and Blood in Your Poo
Blood in your poo (or stool to give poo its medical name) or seeing blood when you wipe is one of the most common signs of bowel cancer. Blood can be caused by other things, including hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Since it can be hard to tell what the blood is from, it’s important to have bowel cancer testing if you notice any in your stool.
2. Changes in Bowel Movements
Most people who are diagnosed with bowel cancer experience changes in their bowel habits. These changes include loose stools and needing to poo more often. Another possible sign is feeling as though you cannot fully empty your bowels.
3. Sudden or Unexplained Changes in Weight
Diarrhoea can cause significant dehydration and weight loss. Increased bouts of diarrhoea can be associated with bowel cancer. In addition, you may experience stomach cramps and not feel hungry
4. Extreme Fatigue
People with bowel cancer are often anaemic. Anaemia causes lower iron levels which, in turn, leads to extreme fatigue and exhaustion.
5. Stomach Pain
If you’re experiencing pain in your stomach with no viable explanation and it isn’t going away, you should consider getting tested for bowel cancer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re showing some signs mentioned on the above list and are interested in receiving a bowel cancer test, you’ll be relieved to know that getting tested is easy and convenient. You can do a simple at-home bowel cancer test. Bowel cancer testing kits can be discreetly shipped to your home, where you can collect your sample. So, you can then receive the information you need for accurate answers you can trust.
Sources
- BBC: Radio 5 Live
- BBC: Dame Deborah James death prompts more bowel-cancer checks
- NHS: Overview-Bowel cancer
- Cleveland Clinic: Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
- NHS: Bowel Cancer Symptoms
