The number of colon and rectal cancer cases has increased significantly in recent years, but screenings help detect the disease as early as possible.
Here are the key facts you need to know about symptoms, risk groups and why early detection matters.
Cases are increasing every year
Recent figures show a clear upward trend in bowel cancer diagnoses.
In some places, there has been an average yearly increase among younger people under 50, highlighting the need to stay alert to symptoms.
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Screening helps catch it early
People aged 50–74 are usually offered bowel cancer screening, but not everyone participates.
Taking the test can help find cancer before it causes any noticeable problems.
Many skip screening despite invitations
Participation is especially low among people with lower education, lower income or a non-native language background.
Early stages often show no clear signs
One reason bowel cancer can be so dangerous is that it often develops silently. Many people have no symptoms until the disease has progressed.
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Digestive changes can be an early clue
Watch out for persistent changes in how your bowels work, like constipation, frequent diarrhoea, or feeling like you never fully empty your bowels.
Blood in your stool isn’t always harmless
A common warning sign is blood in the stool.
Many people assume it’s just hemorrhoids, but blood can also be a sign of something more serious like colon or rectal cancer.
Unexplained weight loss or anaemia
Some people lose weight without trying or develop anaemia because the cancer is slowly bleeding.
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These subtle changes are easy to miss without regular health checks.
Severe blockages cause strong pain
If the tumour blocks the intestine, it can lead to severe stomach pain, vomiting and difficulty passing stool. This requires urgent medical attention.
Cultural barriers stop people from screening
In some communities, cancer is strongly associated with death, making people hesitant to get screened.
Health experts stress that early detection dramatically increases the chance of survival.
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Younger people are now at risk too
More cases are being diagnosed in people under 50. This means it’s important for everyone, no matter their age, to take persistent digestive issues seriously.
Early detection saves lives
Doctors agree: clear changes in how your stomach or bowels behave should always be checked.
Screening and paying attention to subtle symptoms can make all the difference.
This article is based on information from Is.fi og Cancer.dk.
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