Bowel cancer - it's not a game
Introduction
Going to the loo is so much part of our daily routine that we rarely give it a thought. But you need to, especially if you’re a man. Men are more at risk of getting bowel cancer than women BUT are far less likely to get screened for it – so get serious. One in 15 men in the UK will be diagnosed with bowel cancer in their lifetime.
So if you’ve noticed one of the signs or symptoms below, don’t just flush and forget – contact your GP and get it checked. Although bowel cancer is the second largest cause of cancer deaths in the UK, survival rates are greatly improved if it’s diagnosed early.
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Part of your digestive system, your bowel is made up of the large and small bowel. Bowel cancer affects the large bowel which includes the colon and rectum. It helps absorb water from your food and removes food waste (your poo) from your body.
Important statistics
What to do next
If you’ve noticed any of the signs or symptoms, contact your GP immediately. They’ll ask you some questions, examine you and probably refer you for a colonoscopy which looks inside your bowel for any problems.
It may be uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful. You’ll be offered a sedative and painkillers to help you feel more comfortable. During the colonoscopy, a small sample of the lining of your bowel may be taken for testing (called a biopsy).
