Every year, over 15,000 Australians receive a diagnosis of bowel cancer, with one in ten of those individuals under the age of 50. While bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, early detection can often result in successful treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer and take steps to reduce your risk of developing it.
However, since these symptoms can be confused with other medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle changes, it’s important to promptly consult your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed below for more than two weeks.
What are the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer?
Blood in your stool, or rectal bleeding.
Obvious change in your bowel habit – such as constipation, diarrhoea or both, a change in shape or appearance of your poo, feeling like you’re not completely empty when doing a poo.
Weight loss you can’t explain.
Extreme tiredness for no reason.
Lump or swelling in your abdomen, or in your bottom.
Source: St John of God Health Care