Early diagnosis can be vital when it comes to cancer survival rates meaning it is important to spot the warning signs.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland, with around 4,000 people diagnosed every year, according to Public Health Scotland. Detecting the disease early can increase the chances of successful treatment, with almost everyone diagnosed at the initial stage surviving, explains Bowel Cancer UK. However, survival rates drop significantly as the condition develops.
During stage one of bowel cancer, Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explained "“the cancer has grown through the cells lining the bowel wall and into the muscular wall of the intestines but has not spread any further," adding: "Stage one bowel cancer usually has no symptoms", reports the Mirror.
The expert added: "Bowel cancer is thought to have a long premalignant phase. It may take 10 years for bowel cancer to grow from a small bowel polyp."
As the cancer reaches stage two, the tumour has made its way through the bowel wall potentially spreading to nearby tissue. The cancer has not yet spread to the lymph nodes or distant parts of the body, with some people not yet experiencing symptoms.
Instead, the symptoms usually begin to appear during stage three and four. These warning signs include blood in the poo and pain in the lower abdomen.
According to the doctor, symptoms during these stages include:
Blood in the stools
Bleeding from the rectum
A change in bowel habits with diarrhoea or constipation
Lower abdominal pain
A change in the shape of the stool – such as long narrow stools
Excessive gas from the back passage
Additionally, the NHS adds that unintentional weight loss as well as feeling tired for no reason, bloating and often feeling like you need to poo despite recently using the toilet are warning signs to look out for.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or more should seek attention from their GP immediately.
"In stage three bowel cancer, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes but not elsewhere in the body," Dr Lee explained.
"In stage four, it has spread for example to the lungs or the liver."
Dr Lee added: "In stage three or four bowel cancer, patients often have symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, weight loss and vomiting.
"It can also cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and shortness of breath."
Dr Lee urged: "If you have any worries, see your GP. Don’t be embarrassed. Even your GP sits on the toilet!
"They will be pleased you have come to see them and be more than happy to do all they can to help you. Don’t leave it to chance."
What are the risk factors of bowel cancer?
According to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, half of all bowel cancers may be preventable based on lifestyle changes.
Reducing intake of processed and red meat and well as increasing fibre consumption are some important diet changes.
Other risk factors include:
Being over the age of 50
Drinking alcohol
Smoking
Obesity
A family history of bowel cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease
Polyps in the bowel
Lynch syndrome
Familial adenomatous polyposis.
Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping active can also help prevent the development of cancer.
Dr Lee adds: "Interestingly, dogs can smell bowel cancer. In one study, dogs were as successful as colonoscopy (telescope in the bowel) at detecting bowel cancer.
"Dogs are very sensitive at detecting chemicals produced by the tumour, in the exhaled breath and the poo."
It is important to speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Diagnosing bowel cancer or any other form of the disease early can make it easier to treat and increase survival rates.
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