Doctor warns 'little-known' symptom of bowel cancer can be spotted on skin
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, and while it can be an awkward topic to talk about, early detection is key.
Many of us shy away from talking about our bowel movements, but as it's Cancer Prevention Week (February 19 to 25), it's an important time to talk about how we can detect this form of cancer which kills around 16,800 in the UK every year. Spotting cancer at an early stage can save lives, so it's important to be aware of the most common symptoms - but there are also some lesser-known signs that shouldn't be missed.
According to associate Medical Director and GP at Vitality, Nikita Patel, one of the lesser-known symptoms of bowel cancer is anaemia, which is a condition that develops when your blood produces less healthy red blood cells than normal.
Bowel cancer can cause a lack of iron in the body, which in turn can cause anaemia. This can present itself on your skin, as you may start to look paler than normal. According to Mayoclinic, pale skin "might be more obvious on white skin than on Black or brown skin".
You're also likely to feel very tired, and you might experience shortness of breath and headaches.
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If you experience any of these things, it's important to speak to your GP. However, it's important to remember that it doesn't mean you definitely have bowel cancer or anaemia, but you should always check if you're worried.
Nikita also shared other symptoms of bowel cancer to look out for:
- Unexplained change in bowel habit - such as going to open your bowels more often or becoming more constipated
- Blood in your stool
- Lump in your tummy
- Unexplained loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anaemia
According to Nikita, symptoms of bowel cancer can be quite hard to distinguish, as they are similar to IBS. Speaking to The Mirror, Nikita explained: "Bowel cancer symptoms can sometimes be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as the symptoms can be quite hard to distinguish. It's important to keep a track of changes in your bowels and consult your GP if you're worried about anything."
Nikita understands that people might be embarrassed to talk to a doctor, but said: "Remember that doctors have seen it all before - they are not fazed by these conversations and really want to address your worries and concerns about your health."
However, she shared some tips that might help you if you're considering reaching out:
- Be prepared - Before speaking to your GP, make a diary of your symptoms including when they started and how long they last for. This will give your GP a really good idea of the extent of your issues.
- Don't wait – you should consult with a GP if you have noticed a change in your bowel habit . If you notice bleeding from your bottom at any point, speak to a GP as soon as possible.
- Be specific – although you may feel a little awkward discussing this, being specific with your symptoms will help your GP make a more thorough assessment. They may ask about the colour and consistency of your stools for example.
- Know your body - remember that you know your body best. If something isn’t normal for you and you are concerned, speak to your GP!
After you've seen your GP you might be asked to do a 'stool test' which can be done at home and is "pain free". Nikita continued: "It involves taking a small sample of your stool which will be sent to a lab for testing. It usually takes a few days to get the results back. Your GP may also suggest you have some blood tests to look for conditions such as anaemia.
"Further testing may be required where the risk of bowel cancer is high following your initial tests or based on your symptoms. This usually involves a colonoscopy which is done at the hospital. Here, a camera is used to look at your bowel on the inside and the doctor may take some biopsies from your bowel to do further testing for signs of cancer."
If you're a Vitality member and you're worried about your health, you can use the Vitality GP app to book an appointment with a private doctor.
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