Colorectal cancer: The sensation immediately after having a poo that can be a sign
Deborah James discusses 'scary' bowel cancer symptoms
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Colorectal cancer starts in the large bowel and depending on the exact location it can be referred to as colon or rectal cancer. Colorectal cancer might not cause symptoms in the early stages. However, when symptoms do show up, they mainly impact your bowels.
According to the American Cancer Society, the sensation that your bowel doesn’t empty properly can be a tell-tale sign.
This is described as a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one.
If the growth blocks the colon, it may cause the person to feel like they can never empty their bowels.
So even after you just went to the toilet, you may still feel that you need to use it again.
READ MORE: Pancreatic cancer: The ‘difficult’ warning sign immediately after having a poo
If the cancer is at a localised stage, the survival rate is around 90 percent, says Cancer.Net.
That’s why knowing the possible symptoms could be helpful.
Other signs when you go to the toilet include:
- Change in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool)
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
- Blood in the stool
- Cramping or belly pain.
Blood in your poo linked to colorectal cancer might make the stool look dark brown or black.
It’s worth remembering that symptoms like these can be caused by a variety of conditions.
Most people with these symptoms might not suffer from bowel cancer, but it’s important to see your GP about them especially if you’ve had them for three weeks or more, advises NHS.
As most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over 60 years old, persisting symptoms like these should be taken more seriously as you get older.
When visiting your GP about these problems, they might examine your tummy and bottom, arrange for a blood test or refer you to see a specialist.
This can help reveal whether you have any lumps or if there’s any bleeding from your bowel.
Anyone can get colorectal cancer as its exact cause is not known.
But there are some things that might increase your risk including age, weight, lifestyle habits and family history.
One lifestyle habit linked to higher risk is a diet rich in red and processed meats.
Alcohol and smoking can also be factors contributing to your risk of colorectal cancer.
Although there are some factors you might not be able to change, the NHS advises focusing on changes that are possible to introduce.
These can include a healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol.
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