March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The colon is part of the large bowel, which is part of the digestive system. Colon cancer is more common in older people. In the UK, almost 6 in 10 bowel cancer cases (58%) each year are diagnosed in people aged 70 and over. Here you can find the symptoms of colorectal cancer as well as information and support.
Symptoms
The symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- blood in, or on, your poo (stool) or bleeding from the back passage (rectum) – the blood may be bright red or dark
- a change in your normal bowel habit that happens for no obvious reason and lasts longer than 3 weeks – for example, diarrhoea or constipation
- unexplained weight loss
- pain in your tummy (abdomen) or back passage
- feeling that you have not emptied your bowel properly after you poo
- unexplained tiredness, dizziness or breathlessness
- a lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)
- an itchy bottom, although this is rare.
Some people start by seeing their GP after experiencing symptoms. But there are other ways you may be diagnosed:
If you have any symptoms or notice anything that is unusual for you see your GP straight away.
Information and Support
If you would like more information about diagnosis and support, please click on the following links.
Related Stories and Media
Ian’s Story
Ian was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2013 but seven years on, Ian is now in remission with ongoing treatment.
Thank you to Ian for sharing his inspirational story.
Cancer Champion Training
Cancer Champions raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, promote national screening programmes and encourage early detection.
Take part in a free Cancer Champion training session and help up raise awareness this Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
For more information and to register your place, click here.
