Don’t be shy about bowel cancer
16 Apr 2018
UK’s second most common cancer is also one of most treatable if found early – advice from our University Wellbeing programme
As part of our Wellbeing programme, the University is raising the profile of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April.
Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer (lung cancers are the biggest). Someone dies of bowel cancer in the UK every 30 minutes.
However nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive, so it’s vital to be aware of the key symptoms and go to your GP if things don’t feel right to help increase the chances of an early diagnosis.
Many of us may have had close family or friends die of bowel cancer, but the reality is few of us are comfortable talking about our bowels in the same way we discuss other aches and pains.
According to Bowel Cancer UK, the symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Other health problems can cause similar symptoms, but the NHS advises waiting for a short time to see if they get better as the symptoms of bowel cancer are persistent. If unsure you should always visit your GP.
The positive message of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is about saving lives through early detection – as bowel cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early.
More information
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