With bowel cancer being one of the most common cancers in the UK, experts are urging the public to recognise early symptoms and seek medical help promptly. Dr Asiya Maula, general health practitioner at The Health Suite Leicester, has commented on the most important signs people should be aware of — many of which are often overlooked.
“Bowel cancer can affect adults of any age, and early symptoms are often subtle or mistaken for minor digestive issues,” Dr Maula explains. “When caught early, bowel cancer is highly treatable, which is why recognising warning signs and seeking medical advice promptly is so important.”
Common symptoms to watch for include:
Persistent changes in bowel habits — such as ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, or a noticeable change in stool consistency lasting more than three weeks.
Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding — which can appear as bright red blood or darker, tarry stools.
Unexplained abdominal pain, cramping or bloating — discomfort without an obvious cause.
Feeling like your bowels don’t fully empty — a sensation known as tenesmus.
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss — which can signal underlying issues, including anaemia.
These signs are consistent with clinical guidance from UK health organisations, which emphasise that early detection significantly improves outcomes and survival rates.
Dr Maula urges anyone experiencing persistent or unusual bowel symptoms to consult their GP without delay. Early assessment, including at‑home bowel screening or clinical evaluation, could be lifesaving — and no one should feel embarrassed to raise these issues with their doctor.