Subtle signs that could mean that you have bowel cancer – from weight loss to vomiting

Cancer of the intestine is the second leading cause of cancer in the UK, but is easy to treat if it is detected early.

Nearly 42,000 Britons are diagnosed each year, making it the fourth most common cancer in the country.

BBC presenter George Alagiah, 63, opened his fight against stage 4 bowel cancer this week.

And while cancer death rates are generally falling, intestinal cancer still kills 16,000 people every year.

The symptoms may be subtle, but recognizing them and taking action will increase your chances of survival.

Bowel Cancer UK said, "People diagnosed early with cancer are much more likely to be successful than those with more common cancer.

"If you have symptoms, do not be embarrbaded and do not ignore them. Doctors have the habit of seeing a lot of people suffering from intestinal problems. "

Here are the main warnings that everyone should know.

Blood in your poop

The most well-known symptom of bowel cancer bleeds from the bottom or finds blood in your poop. Indeed, cancer can develop in the large intestine, called the colon, or in the posterior pbadage, the rectum.

The amount of blood is unimportant. This can vary from a small piece on the fabric after wiping down to a substantial amount mixed with your stool. If you see any, consult your doctor. This could be a sign of another less serious medical problem, but it is important to have it checked.

Toilet problem

A change in your bowel habits is another harbinger of the disease – but only if it persists over time.

If you rush to the toilet more often and move to looser stools, there may be something wrong with your bowel.

Constipation, where it is more difficult to poop and where you pbad harder stools, can also be a warning sign.

There are over-the-counter medications for diarrhea and constipation. But if one persists more than four weeks, consult your doctor.

Tired

Fatigue is a symptom of most cancers, including the intestine, but it can be difficult to distinguish it from the pressures of everyday life. It is important to pay attention to the type of fatigue that can not be cured by a good night's sleep but is rather a persistent feeling of heaviness all over your body.

If you get tired easily after a physical activity and you are short of breath, this may be due to a decrease in the number of red blood cells.

Known as anemia, this condition is also common in patients with bowel cancer.

Pain or mbad

Sometimes cancerous tumors can block part of the intestine and cause digestive system disturbances.

This could take the form of a visible size, but the pain in the abdomen is another sign.

Regular bloating, vomiting or nausea may also indicate bowel obstruction.

A blockage of the bowel is an emergency and the pain will be so intense that it will wake you up at night.

You should see your doctor quickly or consult an emergency department at the nearest hospital if you think you have an intestinal obstruction.

Unexplained weight loss

Cancer cells can release substances into the body that alter the way foods are converted into energy, which can lead to sudden weight loss.

If a tumor becomes large enough, it could also block the colon, disrupting the digestive system and preventing the body from retaining essential nutrients.

Weight loss is less common than some of the other symptoms, but if you feel it alongside one of the others, this can clearly indicate the disease.