Three common symptoms of UK's second deadliest cancer to look out for when you go to toilet

People are have been encouraged to be vigilant for three key signs of a potentially lethal disease when using the bathroom. These symptoms could be indicative of the second most fatal form of cancer in the UK.

Each year, approximately 44,000 individuals are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, making up 11 percent of all cancer cases. It is also accountable for 10 percent of all cancer-related deaths, resulting in nearly 17,000 fatalities annually.

As with any illness, early detection of symptoms allows for prompt treatment. The Daily Record has highlighted how three common indicators of bowel cancer manifest during toilet visits.

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The primary symptoms of bowel cancer include persistent blood in your stool, a consistent change in your bowel habits, and ongoing lower abdominal discomfort such as bloating. While other health issues can cause similar symptoms, these should not be dismissed, particularly if they persist.

If these symptoms continue for more than three weeks, the NHS recommends seeking medical advice. Despite potential embarrassment, it's crucial not to let this deter you from consulting a GP.

If bowel cancer is suspected, blood and stool tests will be required. Other possible signs of the disease include frequently feeling the need to defecate, even after just using the toilet, a lump in your abdomen, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue.

The NHS has stated: "Bowel cancer can cause anaemia (when you have fewer red blood cells than usual), which can make you feel very tired, short of breath and have headaches."

Bowel cancer screenings

Almost nine out of 10 people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over the age of 60. However, alarming new statistics reveal that cases are increasing most rapidly in individuals under 50.

In the UK, those aged between 60 and 74 are invited to participate in bowel cancer screening every two years. Screenings start even earlier in Scotland and Wales, from the age of 50.

It’s your choice whether to take part in the screening programme. The sooner bowel cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Causes

The exact cause of bowel cancer isn’t known. However, you may be more likely to get bowel cancer if:

• You're over 50

• You smoke

• You're overweight

• A close relative has had bowel cancer

• You have inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

• You have small growths in your bowel called bowel polyps

• You have Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.

Research has also found that a diet high in red and processed meat and low in fibre could potentially raise your risk for the disease.