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Despite the availability of simple tests and treatability if detected early, many individuals neglect to undergo screenings for bowel cancer. Bowel Cancer UK reports that bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK.
Nearly 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer annually in the UK, with approximately 268,000 individuals currently living with the diagnosis. Over 90% of new cases (94%) are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50. However, bowel cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age. More than 2,600 new cases are diagnosed in individuals under the age of 50 each year. One in 15 men and one in 18 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime.
The charity emphasizes the importance of early detection, stating, “Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.”
The statistics are sobering: “More than 16,800 people die from bowel cancer in the UK every year. It is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK. However, the number of people dying of bowel cancer has been falling since the 1970s. This may be due to earlier diagnosis, better treatment options, and the start of the national bowel cancer screening program.”
According to the Moffat Cancer Center, one of the challenges with colon cancer is its often symptomless nature in the early stages. They explain, “Like many other types of cancer, colon cancer often does not present any symptoms in its early stages. By the time the cancer has advanced to stage 4 (metastasized), a number of symptoms may occur depending on where in the body the cancer has spread. However, not everyone will experience symptoms or the same set of symptoms as every patient’s experience is unique.”
The progression of colon cancer can be slow, starting as a benign polyp that eventually becomes malignant over many years without producing symptoms. Therefore, estimating how long it takes for colon cancer to become metastatic and show symptoms can be tricky.
So what are the red flag signs that everyone should be vigilant about? The NHS lists 10 key symptoms to be alert to, though not everyone will exhibit all of them, or indeed any. These include:
- Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhea, or constipation that is not usual for you.
- Needing to poo more or less often than usual.
- Blood in your poo, which may look red or black.
- Bleeding from your bottom.
- Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet.
- Tummy pain.
- A lump in your tummy.
- Bloating.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Feeling very tired for no reason.
The NHS reassures the public that many of these symptoms are common and could be due to other conditions. Having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s crucial to get them checked out by a GP. Early detection of any potential cancer can make treatment more effective.
