Doctor reveals 5 cancer symptoms often mistaken for other illnesses as 1 in 3 people fail to spot them
Emily Brown
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/AndreyPopov
A doctor has drawn attention to five symptoms that are often dismissed as people fail to realize that they could be a warning sign of cancer.
Diagnoses of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, have dropped since the 1980s thanks to increased awareness and more screenings, but for people under 50 years old, diagnosis rates have actually increased in recent years.
According to the American Cancer Society, rates of bowel cancer diagnoses in this age group increased by 2.9 percent per year from 2013 to 2022. On top of that, a 2025 YouGov survey found that one in three Brits are unable to recognize the symptoms of bowel cancer, potentially meaning a delay in diagnosis.
To help educate members of the public about signs to keep an eye out for, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has identified five symptoms which could easily be mistaken for another illness.
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It might be a bit awkward to talk about, but a change in bowel habits shouldn't be overlooked or dismissed.
Dr Grant explained that changes can often be mistaken for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), issues relating to dietary habits or hormonal issues, but there's also a chance that it could indicate 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.
Noticing blood in your stool could be an indicator of hemorrhoids or anal fissures, and again you might feel hesitant to discuss it with a doctor.
But ultimately, it could be life-saving to acknowledge that blood can also signify 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 said. "With so many potential causes, such as piles or small anal tears, it’s absolutely worth getting it medically assessed."
We've all felt bloated at one point or another, and Dr Grant admitted it can be 'extremely challenging' to identify the cause sometimes.
"It can be extra tough for women, as menstruation can often lead to bloating, masking potential cancer symptoms," the doctor said, 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."
It's important to recognize 'persistent, unexplained bloating' could be a warning sign, so anyone who experiences it should consider visiting a doctor.
It can be easy to think that feeling tired is just a result of working too hard or skipping out on your morning coffee, but Dr Grant explained that bowel cancer can actually cause fatigue due to anaemia, which is the result of internal bleeding limiting the number of red blood cells in the body.
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."
A change in weight could be the result of a change in diet or routine, but Dr Grant stressed 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 so many symptoms easily mistaken for another illness, Dr Grant admitted it's 'easy to see how people struggle to identify bowel cancer'.
To give yourself the best chance of identifying any potentially worrying 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 want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.