Media Coverage: Dr Asiya Maula Warns Against Overlooking Bowel Cancer Symptoms in Under-50s

Dr Asiya Maula, GP at The Health Suite, has shared expert advice on recognising potential warning signs of bowel cancer in younger adults, highlighting why persistent digestive symptoms should not automatically be attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Daily Mail article, “Key signs tummy troubles are not just IBS – and could be bowel cancer – that the under 50s must know, top GP warns,” explores how bowel cancer symptoms can overlap with common digestive conditions, potentially delaying diagnosis in younger people.

When Digestive Symptoms Need Further Investigation

IBS can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation, but some symptoms warrant further medical assessment, particularly when they persist or represent a change from someone’s usual bowel habits.

Dr Maula highlights incomplete bowel emptying as one symptom worth paying attention to. This is the sensation of still needing to open your bowels even after using the toilet.

As she explains:

“The sensation of needing to open your bowels even after you have just been to the toilet.”

Dr Maula notes that a growth in the bowel or rectum can sometimes cause pressure, irritation or partial obstruction, creating this persistent sensation. However, incomplete bowel emptying can have other, less serious causes, so it is important to consider the wider clinical picture.

Warning Signs Younger Adults Should Not Ignore

The article also highlights other symptoms that should be discussed with a healthcare professional, including:

• Blood in the stool: Do not automatically assume bleeding is caused by haemorrhoids, particularly if it persists or recurs.
• Persistent changes in bowel habits: Ongoing changes in bowel frequency, consistency or usual patterns deserve attention.
• Unexplained fatigue or breathlessness: These can sometimes be associated with anaemia, which may develop following blood loss.
• Unintentional weight loss: Losing weight without an obvious explanation should be medically assessed.
• Ongoing abdominal discomfort: Persistent or worsening pain should not be dismissed simply because someone is young.

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate bowel cancer, but recognising when they require investigation can help people seek appropriate care sooner.

Why Age Should Not Delay Seeking Help

Dr Maula warns that younger adults may postpone seeking medical advice because they believe bowel cancer is unlikely at their age or assume there is an obvious explanation for their symptoms.

She says:

“There is a tendency among younger people to wait and see if symptoms disappear, particularly when they are busy or think there is an obvious explanation. Your GP would much rather investigate a symptom that turns out to be harmless than have someone delay seeking help because they thought they were too young to have bowel cancer.”

Her advice reinforces the importance of discussing persistent, unexplained or unusual symptoms with a GP rather than relying on assumptions or self-diagnosis.

Understanding the Rise in Bowel Cancer Among Younger People

The article also examines the growing concern about bowel cancer diagnoses in younger adults and ongoing research into potential contributing factors.

Dr Maula cautions against drawing premature conclusions about the causes of this trend, explaining:

“It is important not to jump to conclusions about why rates are increasing while researchers are still investigating the causes.”

Research continues to explore possible links involving diet, lifestyle, gut health and environmental exposures.

The Importance of Early Assessment

Dr Asiya Maula’s contribution highlights a key message: digestive symptoms can have many explanations, but persistent changes should not automatically be dismissed as IBS, particularly when accompanied by bleeding, unexplained fatigue or weight loss.

Seeking medical advice when symptoms are concerning can help ensure that the appropriate investigations and treatment are considered.

If you experience persistent or unexplained bowel symptoms, contact your GP. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking advice.