Bowel Cancer Awareness

April is bowel cancer awareness month.

Talking about poo, bowel movements, tummy troubles, number 2s - whatever you want to call them, is embarrassing.

We tend to not talk about it. And find it hard to seek help when we have concerns.

However, This month is dedicated to raising the awareness of bowel cancer. The earlier a diagnosis can be made, the better your chances of treatment success.

Bowel cancer, like any cancer, is not discriminate.

It can affect anyone, of any age or background.

2019’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month wants to highlight this.

And with all awareness, it’s essential to highlight common symptoms for you to look out for.

Symptoms of Bowel Cancer include:

• Blood in poo or bleeding from your bottom
• Extreme tiredness without explanation
• Unexplained Weight loss
• Change in bowel movements that is consistent with no obvious reason
• Lump or pain in tummy

Seek help from your GP.

These symptoms don’t mean you have bowel cancer.

There could be a number of other reasons.

BUT

Seek advice from your GP. Don’t make your own diagnosis.

But remember, you know your own body.

If the GP isn’t concerned or considering bowel cancer, but you’re still having symptoms, then ensure you go back.

Recent news on the BBC highlights that sometimes GPs get it wrong.

This lady was misdiagnosed due to her age.https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-47870381

Melanie Lidstone-Land, Senior Associate of Medical Negligence at Swain & Co Solicitors, says,

“Delays in diagnosing and misdiagnosis of cancer have devastating consequences. Not only for the patient, but their loved ones too. More invasive treatments may be required, the cancer could spread, and in some cases leading to a terminal diagnosis.”

Melanie continues,

“Raising awareness of bowel cancer is essential. But it’s also important to encourage people to talk to their GP. And feel more comfortable talking about toilet matters.”