Yahoo News Hard to spot signs of cancer to watch for after death of 90s star
Health experts warn that rectal cancer may have no symptoms at all, after the death of 90s pop star Paul Spencer, better known as Dario G. Dario G has died following a battle with cancer.
While the cancer can sometimes spread silently, there are some signs to watch for, after the death of the DJ and producer, who was known for songs including Carnaval De Paris, Sunchyme and Ring Of Fire, at the age of 53.
The musician revealed in an online post last year that he had stage four rectal cancer and a shadow on his liver. A post to his social media page on Monday said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today.
“He was positive until the end but this was one battle he could not fight anymore. He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories for many people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him.”
In a video from January Spencer revealed his cancer had grown in his liver and had also spread to his lungs.
According to Bowel Cancer UK, bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Almost 43,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK. Around 268,000 people living in the UK today have been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
More than nine out of ten new cases (94%) are diagnosed in people over the age of 50. But bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age. More than 2,600 new cases are diagnosed in people under the age of 50 every year. 1 in 17 men and 1 in 20 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime.
Rectal cancer, a type of colorectal cancer, can present with various symptoms:
Changes in bowel habits: This can include diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool that lasts longer than four weeks.
Rectal bleeding: Noticeable blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum.
Persistent abdominal discomfort: Cramping, gas, or pain.
A feeling of incomplete bowel movements: The sensation that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so.
Weakness or fatigue: Often due to anemia from blood loss.
Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying.
Narrow stools: Stools that are thinner than usual.
Pelvic pain: Particularly in more advanced cases.
These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than rectal cancer, such as haemorrhoids, infections, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) so it is crucial to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and testing if any of the symptoms persist. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
According to the NHS, symptoms of anal cancer can include:
bleeding from your bottom
itching and pain around your anus
small lumps around and inside your bottom
a discharge of mucus from your bottom
having problems controlling when you poo (bowel incontinence)
needing to poo often with looser, runnier poos
The NHS site reads: "Anal cancer may have no symptoms at all, or they might be hard to spot."
