Signs to watch for
- A lasting change in bowel habits — diarrhoea or constipation
- Blood in the stool or black stools
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
- Abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness and anaemia
Who is at higher risk?
Age over fifty, a family history of colon cancer, polyps in the colon, long-standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, smoking, obesity, and eating a lot of red or processed meat all increase the risk.
Why early detection matters
A colonoscopy can find polyps or early-stage cancer. At this stage modern treatment and surgery can treat the disease successfully.
These symptoms can also occur in common conditions such as piles. So do not panic — but do not ignore them either. Get the real cause diagnosed by a specialist.
What you can do to prevent it
- Eat plenty of fibre, vegetables and fruit
- Stay physically active
- Avoid smoking and too much red meat
- Get regular screening if you are at risk