Bowel cancer, also called colorectal or colon cancer which usually start from the large intestine called the colon. It is the second deadliest cancer worldwide.
Although the causes of bowel cancer is yet-to-be-identified, but reports evidence that lifestyle, diet, health conditions and family history could be the leading cause of bowel cancer.
While it mostly affects older adults, cases are rising among younger people, particularly among people under 40. Early detection saves lives—but symptoms are often subtle or mistaken for minor issues.
Here are five warning signs you shouldn’t ignore:
Changes in bowel habits
Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels could signal cancer, not just stress or diet changes.
Blood in stool
Bright red or dark blood in your poop may seem like hemorrhoids, but recurring bleeding can be a sign of bowel cancer.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying may look like a bonus, but it could mean your body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly—potentially due to a tumor.
Fatigue and weakness
Ongoing tiredness, even with rest, may point to internal bleeding and anemia caused by bowel cancer.
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Lump in the tummy or rectum
A persistent lump or swelling in the abdomen or rectum should be checked out, as it could be a tumor.
Other symptoms include cramps, bloating, vomiting, and inability to pass gas.
Don’t panic, but be proactive
While these symptoms may overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions like hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infections, or inflammatory bowel diseases IBD (e.g., Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
Medical professionals advise that if symptoms persist for three weeks or more, you should consult a healthcare professional.
Early screening and diagnosis dramatically improve outcomes, and recognizing these often-overlooked signs could save lives.
Protect your gut: eat a fiber-rich, balanced diet with probiotics, and stay alert to changes.
