One of the most common types of cancer in the UK is bowel cancer, and while the NHS says you’re more likely to get it if you’re over 50, according to gastroenterologist Dr Joseph Salhab, it’s found in people aged 20, 30 and 40.
Addressing his 1.3 million followers on TikTok, Dr Salhab stressed: “You really need to be your own healthcare advocate and you need to try to recognise the warning signs of colon [another name for bowel] cancer to make sure you talk to your doctor about it.”
A change in bowel habits is one of the most common symptoms of bowel cancer, and the doctor explained what this means. He said: “New onset diarrhoea and new onset constipation, especially if you’re straining now more than usual.
“The reason for this is that sometimes a large polyp or precancer in the colon, or even a colon cancer, can block your intestines. It can significantly change how you use the restroom.”
Dr Salhab said it’s also important to note the shape of your stools. He said: “If you notice that your stools are also narrow and thinner than normal, this is also something that needs to be investigated.”
Needing to poo more or less often than usual can also be a sign, according to the NHS, as well as blood in your poo, which may look red or black, bleeding from your bottom, and feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet.
Not all symptoms of bowel cancer are related to stools. The health service also lists other symptoms to look out for:
- Tummy pain
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired for no reason
If you have any symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or more, talk to a doctor or nurse.
If your poo is black or dark red or you have blood diarrhoea, ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.
And you’re bleeding non-stop from your bottom, there’s a lot of blood, for example, the toilet water turns red or you see large blood clots, go to A&E or call 999.