{"id":1952,"date":"2022-06-29T19:27:21","date_gmt":"2022-06-29T19:27:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fusefornews.com\/2022\/06\/29\/bowel-cancer-how-to-check-your-poo\/"},"modified":"2022-06-29T19:27:21","modified_gmt":"2022-06-29T19:27:21","slug":"bowel-cancer-how-to-check-your-poo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fusefornews.com\/?p=1952","title":{"rendered":"Bowel cancer: How to check your poo"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<header class=\"ssrcss-s5w35y-HeadingWrapper e1nh2i2l5\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-ugte5s-Contributor e5xb54n2\"><span><strong>By Philippa Roxby<\/strong><br \/>Health reporter<\/span><\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-vk3nhx-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><img alt=\"Woman on the toilet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/06FC\/production\/_125688710_gettyimages-1004905988.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/06FC\/production\/_125688710_gettyimages-1004905988.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/06FC\/production\/_125688710_gettyimages-1004905988.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/06FC\/production\/_125688710_gettyimages-1004905988.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/06FC\/production\/_125688710_gettyimages-1004905988.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/06FC\/production\/_125688710_gettyimages-1004905988.jpg 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/06FC\/production\/_125688710_gettyimages-1004905988.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"eager\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-1hn5d7b-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image source, <\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-3d4gra-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image caption, <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t delay going to your GP if you feel things aren&#8217;t right<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><b class=\"ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">Dame Deborah James, who has died from bowel cancer at the age of 40, told everyone to check their poo as part of her campaign to raise awareness of the disease.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">We answer the questions that many are asking about one of the most common types of cancer in the UK.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"How-do-I-spot-bowel-cancer\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">How do I spot bowel cancer?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">There are three main things to look out for:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"unordered-list-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1o5f7ft-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li>blood in your poo that happens for no obvious reason &#8211; it may be bright red or dark red<\/li>\n<li>a change in how you poo &#8211; such as going to the toilet more often or your poo becoming more runny or hard<\/li>\n<li>feeling lower tummy pain or bloating, when your belly feels full and tight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">There may be other symptoms too, such as:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"unordered-list-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1o5f7ft-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li>you&#8217;ve lost weight<\/li>\n<li>you feel you haven&#8217;t emptied your bowel properly after a poo<\/li>\n<li>you feel more tired or dizzy than usual<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Having these symptoms doesn&#8217;t necessarily mean it&#8217;s bowel cancer, but advice is to see a GP if you notice them for three weeks or longer and if things just don&#8217;t feel right. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">That means they can be checked out quickly. The earlier cancers are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Sometimes bowel cancer can stop waste passing through the bowel and this can cause a blockage. This can bring on severe tummy pain, constipation and sickness. You will need to see your GP or go to your nearest A&amp;E straight away in those circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-18lruyc-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img alt=\"What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/F422\/production\/_125689426_bowel_cancer_symptoms_v2__640-nc.png 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/F422\/production\/_125689426_bowel_cancer_symptoms_v2__640-nc.png 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/F422\/production\/_125689426_bowel_cancer_symptoms_v2__640-nc.png 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F422\/production\/_125689426_bowel_cancer_symptoms_v2__640-nc.png 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/F422\/production\/_125689426_bowel_cancer_symptoms_v2__640-nc.png 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/F422\/production\/_125689426_bowel_cancer_symptoms_v2__640-nc.png 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/1024\/cpsprodpb\/F422\/production\/_125689426_bowel_cancer_symptoms_v2__640-nc.png\" width=\"1024\" height=\"865.6\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">You can find more information on signs and symptoms here:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"How-do-I-check-my-poo\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">How do I check my poo?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Have a good look at what comes out when you go to the toilet and don&#8217;t be embarrassed to talk about it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">You should be looking out for blood in your poo as well as bleeding from the bottom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Bright red blood may come from swollen blood vessels (piles) in your back passage, but it could also be caused by bowel cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Dark red or black blood in your poo may come from your bowel or stomach, and could also be worrying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">You may also be noticing a change in bowel habit, such as looser poo or pooing more often than normal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Or you might feel you&#8217;re not emptying the bowels properly and not going often enough.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Doctors are used to seeing lots of people with a variety of bowel problems, so tell them about any changes or bleeding so they can find out the cause.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img alt=\"Blood on tissue\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/551C\/production\/_125688712_gettyimages-1318487366.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/551C\/production\/_125688712_gettyimages-1318487366.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/551C\/production\/_125688712_gettyimages-1318487366.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/551C\/production\/_125688712_gettyimages-1318487366.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/551C\/production\/_125688712_gettyimages-1318487366.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/551C\/production\/_125688712_gettyimages-1318487366.jpg 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/551C\/production\/_125688712_gettyimages-1318487366.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-1hn5d7b-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image source, <\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-3d4gra-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image caption, <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Check for blood in your poo as well as bleeding from the bottom<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"What-causes-bowel-cancer\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">What causes bowel cancer?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">No-one is sure exactly what causes it, but there are some things which can make it more likely to develop:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"unordered-list-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1o5f7ft-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li>the older you are, the more likely cancer becomes and bowel is no different &#8211; most cases are in adults over 50<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/eat-well\/food-guidelines-and-food-labels\/red-meat-and-the-risk-of-bowel-cancer\/\" class=\"ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\">eating a diet with lots of red meat and processed meat,<\/a> such as sausages, bacon, salami<\/li>\n<li>smoking cigarettes can up the risk of many cancers<\/li>\n<li>drinking too much alcohol<\/li>\n<li>being overweight or obese<\/li>\n<li>having a history of polyps in your bowel which can grow into tumours<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"Does-it-pass-down-through-families\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">Does it pass down through families?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">In most cases, bowel cancer isn&#8217;t hereditary but you should tell your GP if you have any close relatives diagnosed before the age of 50.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Some genetic conditions, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/health-43540999\" class=\"ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\">such as Lynch syndrome,<\/a> mean people have a much greater risk of developing bowel cancer, but these can also be prevented if doctors know about the condition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img alt=\"Where the bowel is in the body\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/177DB\/production\/_125691269_gettyimages-1124682075.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/177DB\/production\/_125691269_gettyimages-1124682075.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/177DB\/production\/_125691269_gettyimages-1124682075.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/177DB\/production\/_125691269_gettyimages-1124682075.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/177DB\/production\/_125691269_gettyimages-1124682075.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/177DB\/production\/_125691269_gettyimages-1124682075.jpg 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/177DB\/production\/_125691269_gettyimages-1124682075.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-1hn5d7b-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image source, <\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-3d4gra-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image caption, <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Bowel cancer can start in the colon (large bowel) or the rectum (back passage) and is also known as colorectal cancer<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"How-to-reduce-your-risk\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">How to reduce your risk?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">More than half of bowel cancers could be prevented by people following a healthier lifestyle, scientists say.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">That means taking more exercise, eating more fibre and less fat, and drinking about six to eight glasses of water a day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">But it also means going to your GP with any concerning symptoms and taking up the offer of cancer screening as soon as it is offered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img alt=\"Abdominal pain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/A33C\/production\/_125688714_gettyimages-1293989534.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/A33C\/production\/_125688714_gettyimages-1293989534.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/A33C\/production\/_125688714_gettyimages-1293989534.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/A33C\/production\/_125688714_gettyimages-1293989534.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/A33C\/production\/_125688714_gettyimages-1293989534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/A33C\/production\/_125688714_gettyimages-1293989534.jpg 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/A33C\/production\/_125688714_gettyimages-1293989534.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-1hn5d7b-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image source, <\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-3d4gra-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image caption, <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Tummy pain and bloating, when your belly feels tight and full, can be symptoms of bowel cancer<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"Can-I-be-tested\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">Can I be tested?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/bowel-cancer-screening\/\" class=\"ssrcss-k17ofw-InlineLink e1no5rhv0\">Screening, run by the NHS,<\/a> aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage. It involves a home test kit, which looks for hidden blood in poo, being posted to you so you can complete it and send it back. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">But it&#8217;s not available to everyone &#8211; only to those age groups most likely to benefit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Screening happens across the UK.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"unordered-list-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1o5f7ft-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li>In England, the age you become eligible for screening is gradually being lowered from over 60 to people aged 50 and over.<\/li>\n<li>In Scotland, screening starts from age 50.<\/li>\n<li>In Wales, it&#8217;s for people aged 58-74.<\/li>\n<li>In Northern Ireland, it&#8217;s for people over 60.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Screening isn&#8217;t 100% accurate and can lead to harm and unnecessary treatment when lots of healthy people are tested.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">So if you&#8217;re in a younger age group and have symptoms, you should be aware of the symptoms and visit your GP if concerned &#8211; don&#8217;t buy a self-test kit, because the results can be confusing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper e1xue1i810\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-11kpz0x-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><noscript><img alt=\"A bowel cancer home test kit, called a FIT\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/57E2\/production\/_125689422_gettyimages-1343607514.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/57E2\/production\/_125689422_gettyimages-1343607514.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/57E2\/production\/_125689422_gettyimages-1343607514.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/57E2\/production\/_125689422_gettyimages-1343607514.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/57E2\/production\/_125689422_gettyimages-1343607514.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/57E2\/production\/_125689422_gettyimages-1343607514.jpg 976w\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/57E2\/production\/_125689422_gettyimages-1343607514.jpg\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/span><span role=\"text\" class=\"ssrcss-1hn5d7b-StyledFigureCopyright e34k3c20\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image source, <\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-3d4gra-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\"><span class=\"visually-hidden ssrcss-1f39n02-VisuallyHidden e1y6uwnp0\">Image caption, <\/span><\/p>\n<p>The NHS sends out home test kits to people over a certain age to help diagnose bowel cancer early<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"How-is-bowel-cancer-diagnosed\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">How is bowel cancer diagnosed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">These could be a colonoscopy &#8211; a procedure which uses a camera inside a long tube to look inside the whole bowel &#8211; or a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which looks at part of it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">More than 90% of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at its earliest stage will survive for five years or more &#8211; compared with 44% when diagnosed at the latest stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Like many cancers, 15 to 40-year-olds have the highest survival rates, because cancer is more common and more deadly in older people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">However, in general, survival is still not as good in the UK as the rest of Europe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"What-treatments-are-available\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">What treatments are available?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Bowel cancer is curable, especially if diagnosed early.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Treatments are becoming more personalised, and advances in genetic testing mean care can be tailored to the way each individual deals with their body&#8217;s own cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">This approach still needs refining, but it is promising extra years of life for those with cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">At whatever stage your cancer is spotted, you will be talked through the treatments available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">That might be surgery, or chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or one or the other depending on your individual cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"What-are-the-different-stages-of-cancer\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">What are the different stages of cancer?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"unordered-list-block\" class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper e1xue1i86\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1o5f7ft-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li>Stage 1 cancers &#8211; are small, but haven&#8217;t spread<\/li>\n<li>Stage 2 cancers &#8211; are larger, but still haven&#8217;t spread<\/li>\n<li>Stage 3 cancers &#8211; have now spread to some of the surrounding tissue such as lymph nodes<\/li>\n<li>Stage 4 cancers &#8211; have spread to another organ in the body, creating a secondary tumour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section data-component=\"related-internet-links\" class=\"ssrcss-2z3pjz-SectionWrapper e1nh2i2l2\">\n<p><h2 class=\"ssrcss-q4zz1q-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\">Related Internet Links<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p>The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-component=\"tag-list\" class=\"ssrcss-2z3pjz-SectionWrapper e1nh2i2l2\"\/><\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/health-61979220?at_medium=RSS&#038;at_campaign=KARANGA\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] By Philippa RoxbyHealth reporter Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Don&#8217;t delay going to your GP if you feel things aren&#8217;t right Dame Deborah James, who has died from bowel &hellip; 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