Bowel cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large bowel. It is sometimes known as colorectal cancer. The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine, which plays a vital role in the digestive system by processing food and absorbing nutrients.
This cancer often affects older adults but can develop at any age. It usually begins with small growths called polyps inside the colon. While most polyps are harmless, some can gradually turn into cancer over time if left untreated.
In its early stages, bowel cancer often doesn’t show clear symptoms, making it crucial to recognise any warning signs. This guide aims to help you understand the symptoms and take timely action.
Signs of Bowel Cancer in Women
The symptoms of bowel cancer are generally the same for everyone, regardless of gender. The most common signs include blood in your stool, unintentional weight loss, and persistent changes in bowel habits, such as chronic constipation or diarrhoea.
Other symptoms may also appear, providing additional clues to the condition. Identifying these early signs is key to timely diagnosis and treatment.
1. Bleeding from the Bottom
Rectal bleeding is one of the most noticeable symptoms of bowel cancer. It might appear as fresh red blood, typically associated with lower bowel or rectal issues or darker clots suggesting internal bleeding. While haemorrhoids are a common cause, any unexplained or prolonged bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions like cancer.
2. Blood in the Stool
The presence of blood in stools may indicate damage to the bowel lining caused by a tumour. Bright red blood often signifies bleeding closer to the rectum, while black, tar-like stools can suggest bleeding higher in the digestive tract. This symptom can sometimes be subtle, making regular observation crucial for early detection. Read more about what causes Blood in the stool.
3. Changes in Bowel Habits
Bowel cancer can disrupt normal bowel patterns, causing diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two. A tumour partially blocking the bowel may cause these changes, leading to inconsistent stool passage. If such alterations persist beyond three weeks, a medical evaluation is necessary.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Significant and unintentional weight loss can occur as cancerous growths disrupt nutrient absorption or increase metabolic activity. Additionally, the body may expend more energy fighting the disease, leaving less energy for maintaining weight. If weight loss occurs without changes in diet or exercise, it warrants further investigation.
5. Persistent Fatigue
Fatigue can result from internal blood loss caused by a tumour, leading to anaemia. Anaemia reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, leaving individuals feeling tired and weak even with adequate rest. Persistent tiredness, particularly when paired with other symptoms, should not be ignored.
6. Abdominal Pain or Cramping
Tumours in the bowel can lead to localised inflammation or obstruction, causing discomfort or cramping in the abdomen. This pain may start as mild but can intensify over time. Unlike common digestive issues, it often does not resolve with standard treatments.
7. A Lump in the Abdomen
A lump that can be felt in the abdominal or rectal area is a possible indication of an advanced tumour. These lumps are usually firm and may be accompanied by pain or discomfort. A doctor’s examination, often supported by imaging tests, is needed to identify the cause.
8. Feeling of Fullness or Urgency
The sensation of needing to empty the bowel, even after a recent bowel movement, can occur due to a tumour pressing on the rectum. This creates a false sense of urgency, which may be uncomfortable and disruptive. Persistent feelings of incomplete evacuation should be discussed with a doctor.
9. Tummy Bloating
Persistent bloating can occur when a tumour partially blocks the bowel, causing gas and stool to build up. This symptom, often mistaken for dietary or hormonal changes, can cause significant discomfort and should be addressed, especially if it lasts several weeks.
10. Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain
Anaemia caused by chronic blood loss in the bowel can lead to shortness of breath or chest pain. Reduced oxygen levels in the blood force the heart and lungs to work harder, resulting in these symptoms. If anaemia-related symptoms persist, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying cause.
11. Bowel Obstruction
When a tumour completely blocks the bowel, it can result in severe cramping pain, bloating, and an inability to pass stool or gas. This condition, called bowel obstruction, often leads to nausea or vomiting and is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
12. Tiredness and Breathlessness
Severe fatigue and breathlessness, particularly when caused by low red blood cell levels (anaemia), are common in bowel cancer patients. These symptoms can affect daily activities and are often accompanied by pale skin and dizziness, signalling the need for urgent medical evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Bowel cancer symptoms can imitate other conditions, making early recognition and prompt medical consultation necessary. Women experiencing any of these symptoms for more than three weeks should seek professional advice. Awareness and timely action significantly improve the chances of effective treatment.
For more information on related symptoms and conditions, check out Is Bowel Leakage a Sign of Cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can bowel cancer be cured?
Yes, bowel cancer is often treatable and can be cured, especially if it is caught early and remains confined to the bowel. Surgery is the main treatment, successfully curing about 50% of cases. However, there’s a risk of cancer returning after surgery, which can sometimes lead to further complications.
2. What are the immediate physical effects of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer can cause noticeable changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or softer stools that differ from your normal routine. You may notice blood in your stool, which can appear red or black, as well as rectal bleeding. These changes should not be ignored and need medical attention.
3. What are the early warning signs of bowel cancer?
Early on, bowel cancer might cause few or no symptoms. Key warning signs include noticeable changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool. Other symptoms include rectal bleeding and iron deficiency anaemia, which can make you feel tired and look unusually pale.
4. Can you live a long life with bowel cancer?
Yes, many people can live a long life after being treated for bowel cancer. For those whose cancer is fully cured, life expectancy may return to normal. However, for advanced cases, long-term survival depends on successful treatment to prevent recurrence.
5. How does bowel cancer start?
Bowel cancer usually begins with small growths called polyps that develop on the lining of the bowel. Not all polyps turn into cancer, but some can become cancerous over time. The exact cause of bowel cancer remains unclear, but regular screenings can help detect and remove polyps early.
6. Which cancers are not curable?
Some cancers cannot be completely cured but can be managed for years with treatment. These include:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia
- Myeloma
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Secondary cancers, such as those in the brain, breast, bones, or liver.
