During the festive season, when overindulgence at the dinner table is commonplace, health experts are urging individuals not to overlook the potential signs of bowel cancer. An alarming rise in cases, particularly among younger adults, has prompted these warnings, especially as this cancer claims approximately 17,000 lives annually in the UK.
According to Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, various symptoms associated with bowel cancer can manifest during moments of festive feasting. He particularly pointed out some subtle yet concerning signs, like feeling unusually full quickly. "A constant feeling of fullness can occur if there’s a blockage or tumor in the bowel. If it lasts longer than a few days, it can indicate gut health issues, or worse, bowel cancer," Jones cautioned.
Understanding the symptoms is imperative. Typical manifestations include blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. While many might dismiss bloody stools as resultant from overindulgence or hemorrhoids, persistent bleeding should be taken seriously. "Over Christmas, don’t dismiss this symptom as one-off caused by rich food or alcohol consumption—book an appointment with your GP," Jones added.
David Gold's story exemplifies the need for urgent action on concerning health symptoms. After experiencing shortness of breath and seeing multiple healthcare professionals with little progress, he received the diagnosis of bowel cancer only after considerable persistence. "If you can't get a GP appointment, go to an NHS walk-in centre," Gold advised, expressing frustration over the dismissive treatment he received from his GP’s office when he initially sought help.
Gold detailed his experience waiting for help, saying, "I called my GP and spent an hour and a half on hold. The question asked was, ‘Are you having a heart attack?’ I stated, ‘Clearly not, because I’ve been waiting...’ and was told there were no appointments available." Eventually, after deciding on self-referral for testing at Leeds General infirmary, he discovered serious health issues.
Highlighting the difficulties patients often encounter, David’s case was compounded by the long delay before he underwent tests. Upon receiving blood test results indicating dangerously low iron levels, he was rushed for treatment and then diagnosed with bowel cancer after tests showed significant internal bleeding believed to be from his bowel tumor.
The ever-increasing incidence of bowel cancer, particularly among younger people under 50, is being attributed to lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and possibly genetic factors. Studies show eating too little fiber and consuming high amounts of processed meat, among other risk factors, are significantly increasing the number of bowel cancer cases among the young.
Stephanie Thomas's case sheds light on how initial misdiagnosis can have tragic consequences. At only 28, after repeated visits to her GP due to severe abdominal pain, Thomas was dismissed and later removed as a patient for what her practice called disproportionate requests for pain relief. It wasn't until much later after persistent high levels of pain and additional testing, she received the devastating news of her terminal cancer. Stacey Thomas, Stephanie’s mother emphasized, "If Stephanie had been listened to, maybe her cancer would have been detected sooner with a different outcome."
With four cases being majorly highlighted over recent months, awareness is growing surrounding the symptoms of bowel cancer. Fatigue, changes in bowel behavior, and indications of internal bleeding are being identified as key cancer warning signs by health professionals. The NHS advises anyone experiencing changes for three weeks or more should consult their GP.
Despite the heart-wrenching aspects of these individual cases, their stories are paving the way for increased discussions on bowel cancer awareness and recognition of symptoms. Each campaign and awareness initiative aims to educate not just young adults, but the entire population on the signs and symptoms of this often misdiagnosed illness.
With timely diagnosis being the crux of effective treatment, communities are encouraged to heed advice and take proactive steps toward arming themselves with information about health.
