Did you know that bowel cancer is the second most common cancer among men in Ireland, and the third amongst women? Around 2,600 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year in Ireland. In fact, 1 in 10 diagnoses of colorectal cancer here occurs among people under 50.
During Bower Cancer Awareness Month, Professor Ferga Gleeson, Gastroenterologist at Blackrock Health, shines a light on some of the important things to know about this disease.
There are four main symptoms of bowel cancer which include:
- A change in bowel habit, more frequent constipation, or diarrhoea:
- Blood in your stool without a clear reason;
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen, bloating, cramps, or pain, which can present, alongside unintended weight loss and changes to appetite;
- Sensation that the bowel does not completely empty with a bowel movement.
Prof Ferga Gleeson says: “There are four main symptoms of bowel cancer, but this list is not exhaustive. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms relating to your bowel that persist for a long period of time, you should visit your GP. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed, it does not automatically mean that you have bowel cancer, but you should check with a medical professional who can discuss next steps with you.”