Nine key symptoms of the ‘silent killer’ cancer that kills thousands every year

Experts have revealed seven warning signs of a ‘silent killer’ cancer that kills thousands of people every year.

In April, recognized as Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, doctors encouraged the public to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of this deadly disease.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common and deadliest types of cancer in the UK and worldwide, with almost 17,000 deaths attributed to it between 2017 and 2019 in the UK alone. United, according to Cancer Research UK.

However, many of these deaths could be avoided if people were aware of the warning signs and committed to regular testing, according to medical insurance experts Usay Compare.

Bowel cancer refers to any cancer found in the large intestine, also known as the large intestine. This includes the colon and rectum, which is why some healthcare professionals refer to this disease as colorectal cancer. It ranks as the third most common cancer in the world and the second most deadly cancer.

Like many forms of cancer, bowel cancer can be caused by a variety of environmental, genetic or lifestyle factors. That being said, unhealthy eating habits are a notable cause of its development, Bristol Live reports.

When it comes to bowel cancer, your habits can be revealing. Don’t rule out weird surprises in the bathroom, especially if they start happening often.

If one or more of the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is time to consult a healthcare professional:

• Stomach pain
• defecate more than usual
• Feeling like you need to defecate often, even if you have just gone
• Changes in the texture of stools, such as softer or harder than normal
• Bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained fatigue

The most important symptom to be aware of is blood coming from the anus, either alone or in the stool. If you notice the following symptoms, it is essential to contact a doctor immediately:

• Red or black stools
• Bleeding from the anus

Screening for bowel cancer when symptoms appear is simple: it can often be done in the privacy and comfort of your own home. You can take the test kit home and bring it back to your doctor when finished.

However, even those who have no symptoms should consider having their intestines checked for signs of cancer. Early detection of bowel cancer significantly reduces the risk of mortality.

Tests like colonoscopies look for polyps, or growths, in the lower intestine. These growths can take years to turn into cancer, so removing them before they become cancerous can prevent bowel cancer.

Many people avoid these types of tests because they can be uncomfortable. However, given the prevalence and severity of bowel cancer, it is best to endure this temporary discomfort for the sake of your long-term health.

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