A doctor has warned of the common bowel cancer symptoms which could easily be mistaken as an irritating but non-life-threatening digestive disorder.
We've all experienced stomach troubles from time to time, whether it's struggling to actually go to the toilet, or having a bad case of diarrhea and not being able to stop...
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, between 10 and 15 percent of people in the US have irritable bowel syndrome - better known as IBS.
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The disorder can cause symptoms including stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation which tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time.
However, a doctor from the UK has warned people not to confuse bowel cancer symptoms for IBS.
Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, has outlined the symptoms often mistaken for IBS that could be a sign of more serious health problems - like bowel cancer.
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Fortunately, IBS doesn’t actually increase your risk of developing bowel cancer.
Risk factors instead include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and a family history of the disease.
A poor diet, low in fibre and high in fat and obesity 'can also be determinants', Dr Rupa added, with most cases 'occurring in people over fifty.'
Overlapping symptoms
Both IBS and bowel cancer share a number of symptoms, which can make things more complicated.
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Both might cause abdominal cramps and pains, bloating, constipation, and in some cases, diarrhoea.
However, Dr Rupa warns, it's the following symptoms that can help differentiate whether you’re experiencing IBS or if you should be heading to your doctor for further investigation.
Stool changes
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IBS can show up with a white mucus in stool, but Dr Rupa warns it should never cause blood in your stool.
If you notice blood in your stool, this could instead be a sign of bowel cancer.
"IBS stool colours range from yellow or green to dark brown, but with bowel cancer, it will usually go dark red or black and is described as looking like tar," Dr Rupa explains. "Very thin or narrowing stools are another thing to look out for that could be a bowel cancer symptom."
Weight loss
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One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of bowel cancer is a sudden and unexplained weight loss, something that IBS doesn’t directly cause.
"A reason for this weight loss is that cancer cells can cause the body to not absorb all the fats, proteins, and carbs from food, causing calories to burn faster," Dr Rupa adds.
Rectal bleeding
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Although IBS causes abdominal pain, one symptom it won’t cause is rectal bleeding.
"Noticing blood after wiping is one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of bowel cancer, and if it’s happening intensely or for more than three weeks, you should visit your GP," Dr Rupa explains.
"A small amount is not likely a cause for concern, but it’s always better to check," she adds.
Fatigue
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Fatigue - or a general feeling of weakness - can also be a sign of bowel cancer.
"It may be caused by internal blood loss, a lack of red blood cells, or the fact that the cancer itself uses up a lot of the body’s energy," Dr Rupa explains.
Dr Rupa Parmar resolves: “It is always better to be safe than sorry if you think you are experiencing cancer symptoms.
"See your GP and get a proper evaluation as early diagnosis and treatment is crucial."
Topics: Health, NHS, Cancer, Colon cancer
Ellie Kemp