Bowel cancer warning: How often do you use the toilet? How your poo could reveal your risk

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers to be diagnosed in the UK. You should consider speaking to a doctor if you notice that you’re making more trips to the toilet than normal.

Bowel cancer is a general term for any cancer that develops in the large bowel, and it may sometimes be known as colon or rectal cancer.

The early warning signs of bowel cancer can be very subtle, and many people may not be aware that they’re at risk.

That’s why it’s crucial that you always check your stools after using the toilet.

You may be at risk of bowel cancer if you’re doing more poos than normal.

Passing more stools than you’re used to could be an early warning sign of bowel cancer.

Any unexplained changes to your toilet habits should be examined by a doctor.

You may be going to the toilet more often, or passing looser stools than normal.

These changes may also be accompanied by finding blood on your stools.

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“The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in the stools [faeces], a change in bowel habit, such as more frequent, looser stools, and abdominal [tummy] pain,” said the NHS.

“In the UK, an estimated seven million people have blood in the stools each year.

“Even more people have temporary changes in their bowel habits and abdominal pain. Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer.

“As the vast majority of people with bowel cancer are over the age of 60, these symptoms are more important as people get older. These symptoms are also more significant when they persist in spite of simple treatments.”

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There isn’t a ‘normal’ number of bowel movements you should be making everyday.

In fact, it’s generally accepted that people can pass anywhere between three stools a day, and three stools a week.

But, if you find that you’re making more trips to the toilet than you’re used to, it’s worth speaking to a doctor.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have bowel cancer if you do notice a slight change to your toilet habit, however.

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You could lower your risk of bowel cancer by making some small diet or lifestyle changes.

Eating large amounts of red and processed meats have been linked with a higher likelihood of bowel cancer.

Smoking, drinking too much alcohol and obesity could also lead to the disease, the NHS warned.

More than 90 percent of all bowel cancer causes occur in people over the age of 50.

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