A medical professional has highlighted five symptoms that are frequently overlooked, as people may not realize they could signal cancer.
Bowel cancer diagnoses, also referred to as colorectal cancer, have decreased since the 1980s due to heightened awareness and increased screenings. However, among individuals under 50 years old, diagnosis rates have surged in recent times.
The American Cancer Society reports that from 2013 to 2022, bowel cancer diagnosis rates in this demographic climbed by 2.9 percent annually. Additionally, a 2025 YouGov survey revealed that a third of Brits are not able to identify the symptoms of bowel cancer, which could lead to delays in diagnosis.
In order to inform the public about signs to be vigilant about, Dr. Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has pinpointed five symptoms that could easily be mistaken for other conditions.
Discussing changes in bowel habits might be uncomfortable, but it’s important not to ignore or trivialize them.
Dr. Grant pointed out that such changes are often mistaken for issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dietary problems, or hormonal fluctuations, though they might also suggest bowel cancer.
“Anyone who experiences prolonged diarrhea, constipation or often doesn’t feel relieved after going to the toilet should consider a GP visit to ensure it’s not a signifier of this harmful condition,” Dr. Grant said.
Blood in your stool can be indicative of hemorrhoids or anal fissures, and you may feel reluctant to bring it up with a healthcare provider.
However, it could be crucial to recognize that blood can also point to bowel cancer.
“Generally, anyone who notices blood in their stool or feels pain while going to the bathroom should get it checked out by a medical professional, who can advise further on potential causes or test for bowel cancer,” Dr. Grant stated. “With so many potential causes, such as piles or small anal tears, it’s absolutely worth getting it medically assessed.”
We’ve all experienced bloating at times, and Dr. Grant admitted it can be ‘extremely challenging’ to determine the cause.
“It can be extra tough for women, as menstruation can often lead to bloating, masking potential cancer symptoms,” the doctor noted, adding: “Overall, bloating can be caused by indigestion, food intolerance, or IBS, but what many don’t know is that it’s also an indication of bowel cancer.”
Persistent, unexplained bloating is important to acknowledge as it could be a warning sign, and those experiencing it should consider consulting with a doctor.
Feeling tired might seem like a sign of overworking or missing your morning coffee, but Dr. Grant explained that bowel cancer can cause fatigue due to anemia, resulting from internal bleeding reducing red blood cell count.
He explained: “This isn’t always so obvious, as tiredness can stem from various factors – including poor sleep, mental health issues, or a diet lacking essential nutrients. Medical conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and diabetes can also cause tiredness, leading to many miss the early identification of bowel cancer, increasing their risk of death.”
Changes in weight might be associated with changes in diet or routine, but Dr. Grant emphasized that unexplained weight loss should be taken ‘incredibly seriously’.
“It can infer a range of dangerous health conditions,” the doctor said, adding: “This includes hyperthyroidism, diabetes, tuberculosis and, of course, bowel cancer.”
“If anyone experiences rapid weight loss without amending diet, increasing exercise or adjusting lifestyle habits, it’s best to book a GP visit for a more accurate diagnosis.”
With numerous symptoms that can easily be confused for another ailment, Dr. Grant acknowledged that it’s ‘easy to see how people struggle to identify bowel cancer’.
To enhance the likelihood of identifying any concerning symptoms, the doctor advised: “Take the time to learn the common indicators of this dangerous condition. It can lead to early identification, which can be the difference between life and death.”
“Anyone who believes they may be suffering from any symptoms listed above should seek further analysis from their qualified GP, who can provide tailored advice on potential diagnoses and treatment options.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and wish to speak to someone confidentially, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.