Bowel cancer affects the large bowel (colon) and the rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer, yet it often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage.
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms as early detection can lead to a 90% chance of a cure if caught early enough. According to the charity Bowel Cancer UK, bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK with almost 43,000 people diagnosed every year in the UK.
What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer often develops without any early symptoms, making it challenging to detect in its initial stages. As the disease progresses, certain signs may become apparent. The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- Blood in your stool: Bright red or dark blood in your stool, or bleeding from your bottom.
- Changes in Bowel Habits: A change in bowel habits, for example having to go more or less often, or experiencing diarrhoea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: If you have suddenly lost weight and are not sure why this could be a warning sign.
- Abdominal Pain: Experiencing pain or discomfort in your tummy that doesn’t go away.
- Tiredness / Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired without knowing why.
While these symptoms may not always be caused by bowel cancer it is best to speak to a doctor if you experience them regularly. More information about bowel cancer symptoms can be found by visiting the Guts UK website.
Diagnosing bowel cancer
If you have noticed any symptoms of bowel cancer and visited your GP or blood has been found in your stool via bowel cancer screening, then you may be referred to the hospital for further tests such as a colonoscopy. During these investigations, your hospital consultant may take a biopsy for further analysis.
While bowel cancer is a serious disease, it is treatable if detected early. Increasing awareness, understanding the risk factors, and recognising the symptoms can save lives. Regular screening and lifestyle changes play a crucial role in prevention.
As Dr Sheshappanavar, AHLab consultant Histopathologist explains, “Screening not only helps diagnose bowel cancer at an early stage but can also help to identify people with increased risk of developing this disease and to remove precancerous lesions called polyps. This translates to reduced mortality and morbidity from bowel cancer. Also, cancer syndromes which run in families can be identified through tests giving family members an opportunity to be screened early.”
At AHL our expert team of consultant pathologists work closely with consultants and hospitals to undertake histological analysis of biopsies to look for abnormalities in the cell structure. This can help quickly and accurately identify if cancer is present and help inform patient treatment.
Our consultant histopathologists specialising in gastrointestinal pathology, include Dr Vinayata (Vinu) Sheshappanavar, Dr Morgan Moorghen, Dr Patrizia Cohen and AHLab Director and Consultant Histopathologist, Professor Gordon Stamp.
Professor Gordon Stamp, AHLab Director and Histopathologist explains, “Bowel cancer screening is an invaluable tool in the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer worldwide. By identifying abnormal growths or polyps in the colon or rectum at an early stage, often before symptoms arise, screening can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and survival. It allows for the removal of pre-cancerous lesions, effectively preventing cancer development. Additionally, early detection through screening can reduce the need for more aggressive treatments, improving the quality of life for patients. Public health initiatives that promote regular screening can thus lead to substantial reductions in colorectal cancer mortality and morbidity, highlighting the critical importance of widespread participation in bowel cancer screening programmes.
At the later stages of the disease, accurate pathological diagnosis and classification can enable successful treatment and cure of bowel cancer. At AHL we carefully process tissue samples which enables the analysis of proteins, DNA mutations and abnormal RNA sequences not found in the normal tissues that can be used as targets for advanced treatments which are transforming the lives of patients even when they have advanced stages of the disease. We are now seeing cases where treatment is sometimes so successful we have difficulty finding any tumour remaining after operation and all that is left is scar tissue with a few tiny remnants, or even none at all!”
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