What are the symptoms?
So many cases of bowel cancer go undetected because quite often there are no symptoms in the early stages. It is one of the reasons that screening is so important, and in Australia is recommended every two years from the age of 50.
Interestingly, cancers causing on either the left or right side of the colon can cause different symptoms as well. For the left side, often sufferers report constipation or diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, whereas on the right side, sufferers may report more vague symptoms of aches. Bowel Cancer Australia suggests that you should see a GP if you experience these symptoms:
- Blood in your faeces, or rectal bleeding
- A recent, persistent change in bowel habit
- A change in appearance of your faeces
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Pain or lump in the anus or rectum
- Unexplained anaemia causing tiredness, weakness or weight loss
If you believe you have suffered from any of the above, make an appointment and we’ll talk you through the next steps.