Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops from the inner lining of the bowel and is usually preceded by growths called polyps, which may become invasive cancer if undetected. Depending on where cancer begins, bowel cancer may be called colon or rectal cancer. Most cases occur in people aged over 50. If bowel cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, there is a good chance of a cure. In general, the more advanced cancer (the more it has grown and spread), the less there is the chance that treatment will be curative.
Signs and symptoms:
- change in bowel habit including diarrhoea, constipation or the feeling of incomplete emptying
- a change in the appearance or consistency of bowel movements such as thin bowel stools
- blood in the stools
- abdominal pain, bloating or cramping
- anal or rectal pain
- a lump in the anus or rectum
- weight loss
- unexplained fatigue
- tiredness and/or anaemia (pale complexion, weakness and breathlessness)
- blood in the urine or passing urine frequently or during the night
- change in urine colour – dark, rusty or brown
When to see a doctor?
If you notice any persistent symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor. Talk with your doctor about when to begin colon cancer screening. Guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin around 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease or history of polyps in the family.
https://patient.info/cancer/colon-rectal-bowel-cancer-colorectal
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669