What are the early warning signs of bowel cancer?

In this article below, highly regarded general and lower GI surgeon, Mr Segun Komolafe, tells us how bowel cancer screening is generally performed, and when patients should see their doctor with regards to unexplained changes in their bowel movements.

Why is bowel cancer screening so important?

It is important because the test tries to identify before it is symptomatic. If you can pick up a cancer before it becomes symptomatic, then the chances of treating and curing the cancer are very high. We want to try to identify pre-cancerous growths in the bowel. If we can do this, we can prevent the patient from getting cancer.  

How is bowel cancer screening performed?

Growths in the bowel tend to bleed, so the test for bowel cancer measures the haemoglobin in your bowel movements. If there is enough haemoglobin in your bowel movements, then the test comes back as positive. To diagnose or rule out bowel cancer after this test comes back, we need to evaluate the bowel, which is typically done through a colonoscopy.

What are the early warning signs of bowel cancer?

Things that we tell patients are to watch out for a change in bowel habit that lasts for several weeks, as well as an unexplained, new bout of diarrhoea is an early warning sign that should be reported. Also, bleeding from the bottom is also another alarming warning sign.

When should you see a doctor about unusual bowel movements?

If your bowel habit is changed and sustained (particularly diarrhoea). If blood is mixed with your bowel motions that isn’t a result of haemorrhoids, then this should also be checked out.

How common is bowel cancer? Are some people more prone to developing it?

It is the fourth most common cancer in Scotland. We know there are some rare bowel cancers that run in families. The vast majority of people who are diagnosed with bowel cancer will not have had any family members with it previously.

To consult with Mr Segun Komolafe, just head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.