Media Coverage: GP Highlights 5 Key Signs of Bowel Cancer as UK Cases Remain High
Bowel cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the UK, accounting for around 11% of all new cases, with more than 44,000 diagnoses each year. Health experts are urging greater awareness of early symptoms, as early detection significantly improves outcomes.
Dr Asiya Maula, GP at The Health Suite Leicester, explains that bowel cancer — also known as colorectal cancer — develops in the large bowel and often begins as small growths called polyps that can become cancerous over time.
When caught early, bowel cancer is highly treatable, which is why recognising warning signs and seeking medical advice promptly is so important,”
Five key symptoms to watch for
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
Ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency lasting more than three weeks may be an early warning sign.
“If your ‘new normal’ bowel habit sticks around without a clear cause, it’s important to get it checked,” Dr Maula advises. - Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
Visible blood — whether bright red or darker in colour — should never be ignored.
“Any unexplained bleeding from the bowel warrants medical assessment,” she says. - Unexplained abdominal pain
Persistent cramping, bloating or discomfort may indicate underlying bowel issues.
“Pain that persists or worsens, especially alongside other symptoms, should be investigated,” she adds. - Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
A frequent sensation of needing to go again after using the toilet can be a subtle but important sign. - Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
Ongoing tiredness or unintentional weight loss may be linked to internal blood loss or other underlying causes.
“These symptoms are often overlooked but can be early indicators,” Dr Maula notes.
Early action is key
While risk increases with age, experts stress that bowel cancer can affect adults at any stage of life. Many early symptoms can be mistaken for less serious digestive issues, leading to delays in diagnosis.
Dr Maula encourages anyone experiencing persistent or unusual symptoms to seek medical advice promptly, emphasising that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve survival rates.
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