Most of us dismiss small changes in our body — a little fatigue, bloating after meals, or changes in digestion — as nothing serious.
But sometimes, these quiet signals are worth paying attention to. Doctors are now warning that bowel cancer, once considered a disease of older adults, is increasingly striking people in their 30s and 40s.
A growing concern
Recent reports from the UK and the US show a sharp rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults. Specialists from The Lagom Clinic in Bristol say that one reason for late diagnosis is how unremarkable the early symptoms often appear.
What many assume is stress, diet, or a sensitive stomach can, in some cases, point to something more serious.
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Early detection remains the most effective defense. Once the disease spreads beyond the bowel, survival rates drop significantly — but when caught early, treatment is often successful.
The warning signs
While symptoms can vary, doctors emphasize five key indicators that should never be ignored:
- Iron deficiency or unexplained fatigue: Persistent tiredness or shortness of breath may result from internal bleeding that slowly depletes the body’s iron stores.
- Changes in bowel habits: Frequent constipation, diarrhea, or stool that becomes noticeably thinner could suggest a blockage in the bowel.
- Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying, or feeling full quickly after eating small meals, might indicate that the body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly.
- Bloating or stomach pain: Ongoing discomfort, pressure, or cramps in the abdomen can be an early sign that something is disrupting the digestive process.
- Blood in the stool: Even small or hidden traces of blood should be taken seriously, especially when they appear darker in colour — a sign the bleeding may come from the bowel rather than the rectum.
Awareness can save lives
Experts stress that these symptoms don’t always mean cancer — but they are reasons to talk to a doctor.
Routine screening and stool tests can detect microscopic blood long before symptoms appear.
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Health professionals also urge people with a family history of bowel cancer to get checked earlier, as genetics can significantly increase risk.
Bowel cancer is not only preventable through early action — it’s also highly treatable when caught in time.
Paying attention to subtle changes and seeking medical advice early could make all the difference.
Article is based on information from Nyheder24
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