Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing vital information that could save lives in our community.

A concerning YouGov survey conducted ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month reveals:

• Only 12 per cent recognise bleeding from the bottom as a warning sign
• Only 22 per cent are aware that changes in bowel habits could indicate cancer
• Less than half (47 per cent) know that blood in stool is a symptom
• 35 per cent of people couldn’t name any symptoms 

Bowel cancer is the UK’s second deadliest cancer after lung cancer, claiming 16,800 lives yearly. This knowledge gap could be costing lives.

To address this, Dr Deepak Kumar, Cancer Lead for NHS Mid and South Essex, has created a simple ABCD guide to help you recognise the warning signs:

• A – Altered Bowel Habits – Changes lasting three weeks or more
• B – Blood – In your poo or bleeding from your bottom
• C – Cramping – Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
• D – Dramatic Weight Loss – And unusual tiredness

Important: bowel cancer in younger adults

While bowel cancer remains most common in people over 50, Dr Kumar highlights a concerning trend of increasing cases in younger adults. Research shows that since the early 1990s, bowel cancer rates have been rising by about 1.8 per cent annually in 30-39 year olds in the UK.

The causes aren’t fully understood, but may include changes in diet, increasing obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and changes in gut bacteria.

Dr Kumar stresses that bowel cancer can affect people of ALL ages. If you’re under 50 and experiencing any of the ABCD symptoms, don’t dismiss them because of your age – speak to your GP.

Why this matters: When caught early, more than nine in 10 people with bowel cancer survive.

In his blog, Dr Kumar explains each symptom in detail, discusses when to speak to your GP, and shares information about screening and risk reduction.

Remember – most people with these symptoms don’t have cancer, but it’s always best to get checked. Early detection saves lives.

Please share this information with friends and family of all ages. Together, we can help more people spot the signs early.