Three bathroom signs that could indicate colon cancer, doctor says

Bowel cancerranks as the fourth most prevalent canceracross the UK, with approximately 44,100 fresh cases diagnosed annually, figures from Cancer Research reveal. The majority of instances can also be prevented, and spotting certain early warning indicators could dramatically alter the prognosis for some patients.

People who receive a stage one bowel cancer diagnosisusually have a 90% likelihood of surviving five years or longer following diagnosis. Yet those diagnosed at stage four encounter just a 10% probability of surviving five years or beyond.

Dr Ben, recognised online via his platforms Medicina y Mente, spotlighted four particular warning signs that might signal early indicators. Most of these may solely become apparent whilst using the loo or afterwards.

He took to TikTok with a short video urging people to “see a doctor as soon as possible” if they start experiencing the following symptoms:

• Blood in the stool
• Changes in bowel habits
• Significant weight loss
• Extreme fatigue

He expanded on the second indicator, noting that such alterations might encompass: "If you are constipated and suddenly have loose stools, be careful".

Regarding the final two symptoms, he also specified that it's solely worrying if there's no alternative explanation - such as shedding pounds without altering your eating habits or fitness regime. Dr Ben concluded: "Any of these signs may be an alarm. Your body may be telling you that something is wrong. Go to your doctor so they can tell you what the next step is."

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The NHS advises people to consult a healthcare professional if they've been experiencing bowel cancer symptoms for three weeks or longer. It states: "Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms."

Other symptoms of colon cancer according to the NHS :

• Bleeding from your bottom
• Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
• Tummy pain
• A lump in your tummy
• Bloating
• Feeling short of breath

Anyone experiencing bloody diarrhoea or passing stools that are black or dark red should ring 111 or book an urgent GP appointment. Having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a colon cancer diagnosis. Nevertheless, it remains crucial to get examined by a GP when necessary to determine the root cause.

Bowel cancer screening programmes are also available through the NHS for everyone aged between 50 and 74. These examinations can be completed at home and posted off for analysis. This test can detect cancer before any warning signs emerge.