Let us be honest. No one wants to chat about their toilet habits over dinner. It is awkward, messy, and generally not the topic that wins you friends at parties. However, your gut is trying to tell you something, and ignoring it is about as smart as driving a car with the check engine light flashing. Bowel cancer is becoming more common in younger people, and while scientists are still hunting for the exact reason, you should probably pay attention before things get serious.
Spotting The Warning Signs
You do not need a medical degree to know when things have gone south. If your body starts acting in ways that feel new or strange, take note. Watch out for these three main culprits.
- Blood in your poo. It does not matter if it is bright or dark red. Just because you cannot see a reason for it does not mean it is fine.
- A change in habits. Are you going to the toilet more often than usual? Has the consistency changed from runnier to harder? Your bowel has a rhythm. If it skips a beat, listen.
- Tummy pain or bloating. If your belly feels like a tight, angry balloon that refuses to deflate, your body is sending a clear signal.
There are other, more annoying symptoms too. You might feel like you have not emptied your bowel properly. You might feel constantly tired or dizzy. If you notice these issues for three weeks or longer, stop scrolling through social media and book an appointment with your GP. It might be nothing, but checking it is the only way to be sure.
Why Is This Happening?
Scientists are still investigating the rise in cases, but we already know about several factors that make life harder for your gut. Age is a big one, as your risk goes up the older you get. However, our modern lifestyle is not exactly doing us any favours.
A diet heavy in processed meats like sausages, bacon, and salami is a classic culprit. Smoking is also a terrible idea, and drinking too much alcohol certainly does not help. If you carry a bit of extra weight, that could also play a part. While some of this is bad luck or genetics, much of it comes down to how we treat our bodies. Think of your bowel as a fussy roommate. Treat it poorly, and it will eventually make your life miserable.
Take Control Of Your Gut
The good news is that you have a lot of power here. More than half of bowel cancers are preventable if you follow a healthier lifestyle. Eat more fibre, drink plenty of water, and move your body. It is basic advice, but it works better than any fad diet you found online.
If you receive an invitation for bowel cancer screening, do not throw it in the bin. The NHS sends these home test kits to people at the age where risk increases. It is a simple way to check your health from the comfort of your own bathroom. Yes, it is a bit weird, but it saves lives. If the test flags something, doctors will use a camera to take a closer look. It is not the most fun way to spend an afternoon, but it beats the alternative.
Survival Is Possible
Here is the most important thing to remember. Bowel cancer is very curable if you catch it early. When caught at stage one, nine out of ten people survive for five years or more. If you wait until it spreads, those odds drop significantly. Medicine has improved massively over the last few decades, and survival rates have doubled. Do not let fear stop you from getting checked. Your future self will thank you for being proactive rather than waiting until it is too late.
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