family history – having a close relative (mother or father, brother or sister) who developed bowel cancer under the age of 50 puts you at a greater lifetime risk of developing the condition screening is offered to people in this situation, and you should discuss this with a GP.
examine your tummy and bottom to make sure you have no lumps.See a GP If you have any of the symptoms of bowel cancer for 3 weeks or more. Read about the symptoms of bowel cancer When to get medical advice These symptoms should be taken more seriously as you get older and when they persist despite simple treatments. a change in bowel habit to going less often, with harder poo, is not usually caused by any serious condition – it may be worth trying laxatives before seeing a GP.a change in bowel habit or abdominal pain is usually caused by something you've eaten.blood in the poo when associated with pain or soreness is more often caused by piles (haemorrhoids).Other health problems can cause similar symptoms.
Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer. persistent lower abdominal (tummy) pain, bloating or discomfort – that's always caused by eating and may be associated with loss of appetite or significant unintentional weight loss.a persistent change in your bowel habit – which is usually having to poo more and your poo may also become more runny.persistent blood in your poo – that happens for no obvious reason or is associated with a change in bowel habit.Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer.īowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60. Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel.