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READ MORE: As a physician specializing in colorectal cancer, here’s why diagnoses are increasing among young people
A colorectal
cancer
An expert has cautioned that thousands might be enduring an obscure symptom associated with the lethal illness, which remains largely unrecognized by most people.
Frequent urges to defecate—a condition known as tenesmus—impact approximately 2,000 individuals diagnosed with bowel cancer annually, says Dr. Alasdair Scott, a colorectal surgeon and specialist in gastrointestinal health.
“It’s a sophisticated term for wanting to use the bathroom even though you’ve recently been,” he explained.
‘ persistent sensation that something might be amiss — which warrants consulting with your physician.’
Doctor Scott has advised individuals experiencing this issue to consult their general practitioner, particularly those below the age of 50.
The incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing among individuals younger than 50 years old, and I highly advise against waiting for an invitation to participate in the bowel cancer screening program when you reach your mid-50s,” stated Dr. Scott, who serves as Science Director at the medical diagnostics company Selph.
‘Take cues from nations such as the United States.’
Japan
Where they initiate bowel cancer screening in their 40s and experience significantly higher survival rates for bowel cancer compared to what we see in the UK.
Doctor Scott’s caution arises as the world faces a widespread outbreak of the illness among younger populations worldwide.
From the early 1990s through 2018, the United Kingdom saw a 22 percent increase in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer among adults between the ages of 25 and 49. This growth rate ranks as one of the quickest increases observed across various high-income nations.
Experts have not yet definitively determined the cause of this rise, but several theories propose it might result from alterations in dietary habits coupled with increased exposure to environmental elements such as pollutants.
Doctor Scott cautioned that over fifty percent of individuals diagnosed with bowel cancer receive their diagnosis at advanced stages, when the illness has begun to metastasize, making successful treatment significantly more challenging.
He stated this occurs due to an overwhelming number of patients who only look for assistance when it has become considerably late.
A recent poll indicates that one-third of individuals in the UK are unaware of the symptoms of the illness.
The YouGov survey revealed that 80 percent were not aware of the importance of being vigilant about changes in bowel movements such as tenesmus, and nearly 90 percent did not recognize rectal bleeding as a key symptom.
“As with many forms of cancer, detecting bowel cancer at an early stage significantly improves your odds of overcoming it,” stated Dr. Scott.
‘K
Recognizing the primary symptoms of bowel cancer to look out for is essential so you can undergo testing promptly and inform your General Practitioner without delay.
He also noted alterations in the regularity of bowel movements and the texture of the stools as warning signs.
‘If
If you’re someone who typically has one consistent bowel movement every day, and now you find yourself going two or three times daily with softer stools, this indicates a change in your usual pattern,” he explained.
‘If you experience a shift in your bowel habits lasting 2 or 3 weeks, it would be wise to consult your physician about it.’
‘Commonly, bowel cancer leads to softer and more frequent bowel movements; however, it may also cause difficulties that result in constipation.’
Noticing mucus in your stool is also considered a change, he mentioned.
Seeing blood in the stool or on the toilet paper after wiping is a symptom of bowel cancer that receives the most attention.
‘But
“Bleeding from the lower area is quite common and usually isn’t indicative of bowel cancer,” he stated.
‘Bleeding from a bowel cancer is often a dark red, painless and mixed in with the stool.
Approximately 60% of individuals exhibiting signs of colorectal cancer report experiencing rectal bleeding.
He additionally pointed out ‘persistent stomach pain that lasts for more than seven days.’
Most of the time, stomach pain is not due to bowel cancer.
It could potentially be irritable bowel syndrome, or it may involve issues such as gallstones or gastritis. However, these conditions are certainly worthy of further investigation.
‘Stomach pain is experienced by half of the patients exhibiting symptoms of bowel cancer.’
Ultimately, schedule a check-up if you begin ‘shedding pounds unintentionally.’ As he noted, ‘It’s possible you may not realize this at all if you do not regularly monitor your weight.’
Therefore, if your friends or relatives begin mentioning that you’ve shed some pounds or if you observe that your garments fit loosely or require tightening with your belt another loop, pay attention and consult a physician.
‘This symptom of bowel cancer is the most subtle and remains undetected for the longest time among all possible indicators.’
Multiple
heartbreaking stories
Recently, instances of young individuals in the peak of their life getting diagnosed with colorectal cancer have come to light.
One of the most notable victims of this trend is Deborah James, also referred to as ‘bowel babe,’ who was diagnosed at only 35 years old and managed to raise substantial funds for charity in her last days of 2022.
Read more