Nearly a third of people living in Manchester can’t name a single symptom of a potentially fatal illness, new analysis has found.
A new survey by Bowel Cancer UK, has revealed that nearly three in 10 (29 per cent) of people can’t name a single symptom of bowel cancer. The disease is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, but nearly three quarters of people - some 71 per cent - living in the city are not aware of this fact.
One of the key ‘red flag’ bowel cancer symptoms is blood in your poo but only around four in 10 people (41 per cent) living in Manchester were able to name it. The other four main symptoms, experienced by many who go on to be diagnosed with the disease, have an alarmingly low rate of awareness based on those people could name, according to the charity.
These are the signs everyone should know...
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The important signs
There is a host of other symptoms for bowel cancer, says the charity.
- change in bowel habits - just five per cent were able to name this
- pain in tummy - 14 per cent of Mancunians knew this
- weight loss - again, 14 per cent of Manchester residents were aware
- tiredness/fatigue - only two per cent of those surveyed knew this was a symptoms
Even more concerning is that more than two thirds of people of the 100 people surveyed in Manchester said if they experienced a change in bowel habit like diarrhoea or constipation that didn't clear up, or saw bleeding from their bottom, something would stop them from contacting their doctor. Their reasons included difficulties getting an appointment (39 per cent), being too embarrassed (12 per cent) or being too afraid that it could be something serious (13 per cent), continues Bowel Cancer UK's research.
There is also a north-south divide apparent in the data. Around half of people know blood in your poo is a sign of bowel cancer, like the south west and the south east.
National Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, said: “As with all cancers, acting at the first sign of symptoms can make a big difference to how bowel cancer can be treated and how successfully. You are much more likely to survive a cancer that is diagnosed early, which is why the NHS and charities like Bowel Cancer UK have run awareness campaigns about the signs to look for.
“Referrals for bowel cancer tests have been at record levels for the last 18 months, and we would encourage people to speak to a GP about any concerning symptoms: knowing what is normal for you and acting when something isn’t right can make all the difference.”
What does the NHS say?
The NHS adds the following symptoms to the list:
- changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- bleeding from your bottom
- often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
- tummy pain
- bloating
- losing weight without trying
- feeling very tired for no reason
The NHS says you should see a GP if you you have any symptoms of bowel cancer for 3 weeks or more. "Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms," it gives as advice.
You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if your poo is black or dark red, or if you have bloody diarrhoea. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
'My symptoms seemed like things I could explain away'
BBC Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts, who was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer in October 2021, has spoken of her experiences. “It took me a while to pluck up the courage to call my GP at first," she said.
"My symptoms seemed like things I could explain away. I didn’t want to be a burden to the NHS and I was embarrassed. I shouldn’t have worried. My GP took my concerns seriously, put me at ease and also offered me a home testing kit. This meant I was able to do the test in the comfort of my own home.
"Soon after I was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer, which was very nearly developing into stage 3. Getting the help I needed in time helped save my life. If you’re worried please speak to someone, early detection saves lives and it helped save mine.”
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, adds: “It’s concerning that people aren’t aware of the symptoms of the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. Someone dies from the disease every 30 minutes in the UK, which means that in the time it takes to watch an episode of your favourite soap, one family will lose a loved one to bowel cancer.
"But it doesn’t have to be this way as it is treatable and curable, especially when diagnosed early. That’s why this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month we’re launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the five red flag symptoms of the disease and asking people to take our #KnowTheHigh5 quiz.
“By going to straight to your GP if you spot any symptoms, or if something just doesn’t feel right, it’s possible to rule out the disease first and fast. They will want to see you and may ask you to do a test at home to help decide whether your symptoms need further investigation. Get to know the symptoms of bowel cancer, tell your friends and family about them – it really could save your life.”
Bowel Cancer UK is launching a new campaign for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month helping people to #KnowTheHigh5 symptoms of bowel cancer. Take the symptoms quiz today: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/quiz
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