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In April, the month of bowel cancer awareness, two colorectal surgeons expose the symptoms that everyone needs.
Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK (lung cancer is responsible for most deaths), but if detected early enough, 95% of cases can to be healed.
This means being aware of potential warning signals and checking them early can really make all the difference. And with approximately 42,000 men and women diagnosed each year – which includes younger people, although the disease primarily affects people aged 50 and over – bowel cancer is everyone's business.
To mark the month of April of the month of bowel cancer awareness, colorectal surgery consultants MM. Colin Elton and Daren Francis – both working at Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK – highlight seven early warning signs of bowel cancer that everyone should know.
READ MORE: The bowel cancer is a silent killer and we should act
The main message? These symptoms do not automatically mean that you have cancer and are usually caused by something much less serious – but it is always best to have them checked quickly by your doctor.
1. Blood in your stool
Perhaps the most well-known symptom of bowel cancer is it bleeding from the bottom or blood in the stool, which can vary from a small amount on the tissue after wiping to a substantial mixed amount to your stool.
"Cancer of the intestine can develop in the large intestine (colon) or in the back pbadage (rectal)," Elton explains. "Usually, bright red blood indicates bleeding in the lower colon or rectum, while darker red blood is a sign of bleeding in the small intestine or upper colon. If you notice any bleeding, make an appointment with your doctor to examine you and determine his cause. "
Rectal hemorrhages are numerous, such as hemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gastroenteritis, badually transmitted infections or polyps. "Even though bowel cancer may not be the cause of the problem, it's important to consult your doctor or doctor if you have the symptom, but to be sure," Elton advises.
2. Change of intestinal habits
"Although it is usually a symptom of less severe problems, persistent constipation, diarrhea and bowel incontinence may also be a sign of bowel cancer. It is important to tell your doctor if you have noticed these changes in your bowel habits, especially if you also have back bleeding, "says Francis.
A more common cause of change in bowel habits is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which affects about 20% of the UK population. "Your symptoms are much more likely to be caused by this," says Francis, "but it's always important to consult a specialist just to be on the safe side."
3. tiredness
Fatigue is a symptom of most cancers, including cancer of the intestines. But since most people suffer from some degree of fatigue because of their busy lifestyle, this can be a difficult symptom to spot.
"Cancer fatigue is not like ordinary fatigue," explains Elton. "It does not tend to get better after a good night's sleep or a cup of coffee, it's often described as" total body fatigue. "In some cases, it's known to affect a person's ability to individual to participate in normal activities. "
He insists that anyone affected by the degree of exhaustion they feel despite significant rest should consult a doctor to investigate the cause.
4. Unexpected weight loss
Like fatigue, unexpected weight loss is a generic symptom of cancer seen in many cancer cases. Francis states, "When you lose a significant amount of weight for no apparent reason, you experience unexplained weight loss. For example, if you lose at least 10 pounds and you do not understand why, this could be considered a concern. Usually, if you notice a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool or abdominal pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss, this may indicate a bowel cancer – so it is important Pay attention to your body and keep a watch for any changes. "
5. Bumps and bumps
Elton says that some patients with bowel cancer may notice an unusual lump or lump in the abdomen or in the back, often caused by the cancerous tumor. "See your doctor if mbades do not go away or if they affect your sleep or diet, this could be a sign of bowel cancer," he says.
6. Abdominal pain or discomfort
Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, indigestion, or stomach pain are very common and usually reflect your diet. According to Mr. Francis, the symptoms that appear occasionally, for example less than twice a week, and that easily respond to over-the-counter medications are rarely a cause for concern.
"But if you notice these symptoms more frequently or more severely – for example, constantly waking up at night or forcing you to take over-the-counter medications more than twice a week – you should visit your general practitioner . because it could be a sign of bowel cancer, "he says, explaining that the symptoms may occur if bowel cancer tumors block part of the bowel and cause disturbances of the digestive system .
7. Nausea and vomiting
If nausea or vomiting are accompanied by any of the other symptoms of bowel cancer, this could potentially be a sign of bowel cancer, usually because the cancerous tumor causes a obstruction of the intestine.
"Depending on the size and severity of the tumor's obstruction, solids, liquids, and even gases can be prevented from pbading through the colon," Elton explains. "This can lead to painful stomach cramps and constipation, as well as nausea and vomiting."
To learn more about intestinal health, listen to the HCA UK podcast entitled Health Fact vs. Fiction (hcahealthcare.co.uk/podcast). For more information on symptoms and research, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk.
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