BOWEL cancer claims the lives of 16,000 people in the UK each year.
But a worrying number of Brits can't name any of the killer cancer's symptoms, a charity has warned.
The disease – which has seen a concerning surge in people under the age of 50 – causes changes to toilet habits, as well as blood-tinged poo and unexplained weight loss.
A survey conducted ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this April found that up to one in tree adults in the UK couldn't name a single symptom.
Just 12 per cent of the 2,145 people surveyed were able to name bleeding from thebottom as a sign of bowel cancer.
Anther 22 per cent mentioned diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits.
But only 24 per cent said stomach pain or cramping could be signs of the disease.
Even more alarmingly, 35 per cent of those surveyed admitted they didn't know any of the symptoms of bowel cancer.
And less than half – 47 per cent – of respondents knew blood in poo could be a red flag.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer, though is treatable and curable if caught early.
But Bowel Cancer UK warned these findings suggest many people may miss the warning signs.
Genevieve Edwards, the charity's chief executive, said: “These survey results are deeply concerning.
“Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, yet far too many people remain unaware of its symptoms.
“Early diagnosis, when it’s most treatable, saves lives and Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a vital opportunity to change that.”
Radio presenter Adele Roberts, 46, said: “I myself couldn’t name any symptoms of bowel cancer before I had it.”
“Also the year I was on I’m A Celebrity, I was quite sick with the symptoms and none of us noticed.
How is bowel cancer spotted?
Bowel cancer screening is a test you do at home that checks for signs of bowel cancer.
It's currently offered to everyone aged 54 to 74, but soon people aged 50 and up will qualify.
If you're aged 54 to 74 and registered with a GP, you'll automatically get a bowel cancer screening home test kit through the post every two years.
The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used to look for blood in a sample of your poo.
You collect the sample at home and send it by post to be tested.
It can help find cancer early, and before you have any symptoms, which may mean it's easier to treat.
To do the FIT kit:
- Write the date on the sample bottle.
- Use a clean container to catch your poo. Do not let your poo touch the toilet water. This can be a bit difficult, and you may need to try a few times.
- Open the sample bottle and remove the lid, which has a sample stick attached.
- Gently scrape the end of the sample stick along your poo until all the grooves are covered. Only a small amount is needed.
- Put the sample stick back into the sample bottle and close the lid tightly.
- Wash your hands.
- Check you've written the date you did the sample on the sample bottle.
- Put the sample bottle in the envelope included in your test kit and seal it.
- Post the envelope with your sample as soon as you can. Postage is free and you do not need a stamp.
Source: NHS
“That’s why I’m so passionate about raising awareness.”
She recently shared that she first experienced symptoms of the disease while on I’m a Celebrity in 2019 – two whole years before her diagnosis.
The DJ and TV presenter was fit and at the pinnacle of her career when she started struggling with a bloated tummy, tiredness and weight loss, and noticed blood in her stool.
“If you notice any changes, no matter how small, speak to your and it’s never too early totake action,” Adele said.
Can you name the 6 red flag symptoms of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer begins in the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum.
It tends to cause:
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Blood in your poo
- A change in your pooing habits – you might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
- Losing weight but you’re not sure why
- Feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s still important to find out what’s causing them so it's worth visiting your GP.
Earlier this year, the NHS announced it was lowering the bowel cancer screening age in England from 60 to 50 – in a huge win for Sun columnist Dame Deborah James’ No Time 2 Losecampaign.
The change instantly made four million people eligible for the life-saving check.
Brits eligible for the screening will receive postal test kits that look for blood in a sample of poo.
It was also recently announced that Brits at increased risk of bowel cancer will get life-saving checks under a scheme funded by Dame Deb's Bowelbabe Fund.
TheCancer Research UKproject will improve access to colonoscopies used to diagnose the condition quickly while it’s still treatable.
It’s being rolled out in the Scottish Borders and, if successful, could be adopted byNHStrusts across the UK.
