Bowel cancer symptoms: Stomach cramps could be a sign of the cancer
BOWEL cancer symptoms occur when cells start to divide uncontrollably in the large intestine. Signs and symptoms can be observed in the toilet bowl, or through how someone is feeling. Watch out for these warning signs of colon cancer.
Woman who is battling bowel cancer talks through telltale signs
Bowel cancer symptoms and signs happen due to changes in the large intestine.
People over 50, those eating a low-fibre diet and those living a sedentary lifestyle are more at risk of the cancer.
“Most cases of colon cancer, or bowel cancer, begin as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps,” said the Mayo Clinic online.
“Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancer.”
Watch out for these six symptoms of colon cancer.
Bowel cancer symptoms: Are you at risk? Persistent stomach cramps
Bowel habits
“A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhoea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks,” said the Clinic describing symptoms.
These could be spotted by looking in the toilet after using it.
Blood in bowel movements
“Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool,” could be a sign of the cancer.
Blood in the urine, on the other hand, could be a sign of bladder cancer.
“You may notice streaks of blood in your urine or the blood may turn your urine brown,” said the NHS online.
Stomach pain
Persistent abdominal discomfort could also be a warning sign of the condition.
“Cramps, gas or pain” in the stomach area are also symptoms.
Problems going to the toilet
“A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely,” may be a warning sign.
Possible sufferers may keep going to the toilet regularly.
Tiredness
Weakness of fatigue could also be a sign of the cancer.
Weight loss
Losing excess weight is something many people try to achieve, but if this is “unexplained” it could be a warning sign of the condition.
Unexplained weight loss could also be a sign of other problems, such as diabetes.
“Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease,” said the Mayo Clinic online.
“When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your intestine.”
“The symptoms of bowel cancer can be subtle and don’t necessarily make you feel ill,” added the NHS.
“However, it’s worth trying simple treatments for a short time to see if they get better.”