Symptoms of 'silent killer' cancer that only strike at late stages

Early detection of bowel cancer can significantly enhance the chances of successful treatment, yet symptoms often only appear once the disease is advanced. Bowel Cancer UK emphasises that survival rates are high when the disease is caught at an early stage, but these rates decrease as the cancer progresses.

There are approximately 44,100 new bowel cancer cases in the UK every year, equating to around 120 every day (2017-2019). Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 11% of all new cancer cases.

Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy has explained that in stage one, "the cancer has grown throug.h the cells lining the bowel wall and into the muscular wall of the intestines but has not spread any further," and notably, "Stage one bowel cancer usually has no symptoms". Bowel cancer claims the lives of around 16,800 people in Britain annually, making it the second deadliest cancer in the country, which underscores the importance of symptom awareness.

Each year almost 6 in 10 of all bowel cancer deaths (58%) in the UK are in people aged 75 and over. Projections suggest there could be around 19,100 deaths of bowel cancer every year in the UK by 2038-2040.

Dr Lee noted: "Bowel cancer is thought to have a long premalignant phase. It may take 10 years for bowel cancer to grow from a small bowel polyp.", reports Surrey Live.

At stage two, the cancer spreads through the bowel wall and may invade nearby tissues, but typically hasn't reached the lymph nodes or distant parts of the body. Some people may still not show symptoms.

Symptoms usually appear during stages three and four, presenting as blood in the stool and lower abdominal pain. Dr Lee highlights common symptoms in these later stages, including:

• Blood in the stools
• Bleeding from the rectum
• A change in bowel habits with diarrhoea or constipation
• Lower abdominal pain
• A change in the shape of the stool – such as long narrow stools
• Excessive gas from the back passage.

The NHS stresses that unintentional weight loss, unexplained fatigue, bloating, and frequent urges to defecate, even after using the bathroom, also warrant attention. The health service urges anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with bowel cancer for three weeks or more to contact their GP promptly.

"In stage three bowel cancer, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes but not elsewhere in the body," explained Dr Lee, who added that "In stage four, it has spread for example to the lungs or the liver."

Dr Lee outlined that patients with advanced stages of bowel cancer may report suffering from fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and weight loss, among other symptoms. "It can also cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and shortness of breath," he noted.

Dr Lee emphasised the necessity of consulting a GP if concerns arise: "If you have any worries, see your GP. Don't be embarrassed. Even your GP sits on the toilet! " He highlighted the significance of seeking professional advice without hesitation, stating, "They will be pleased you have come to see them and be more than happy to do all they can to help you. Don't leave it to chance."

For those intent on lowering their likelihood of developing bowel cancer, lifestyle modifications are recommended. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities advises cutting down on processed and red meats, increasing fibre consumption, and taking additional steps, particularly for individuals older than 50.

High-risk factors for bowel cancer include drinking alcohol, smoking, obesity, and a family history of the condition. Other contributing conditions to the risk include inflammatory bowel disease, polyps in the bowel, and genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.

Ways to reduce risk of bowel cancer

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities suggests that half of all bowel cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes. Reducing the intake of processed and red meat and increasing your consumption of fibre are important dietary interventions.

Other risk factors include:

• Being over the age of 50
• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking
• Obesity
• A family history of bowel cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Polyps in the bowel
• Lynch syndrome
• Familial adenomatous polyposis.

Keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight could also help prevent the development of cancer.

Engaging in regular activity and keeping a healthy weight may help in preventing cancer. Dr Lee noted: "Interestingly, dogs can smell bowel cancer. In one study, dogs were as successful as colonoscopy (telescope in the bowel) at detecting bowel cancer."

He further added that "Dogs are very sensitive at detecting chemicals produced by the tumour, in the exhaled breath and the poo."

Individuals with health concerns should promptly consult their doctor, as early diagnosis and treatment generally lead to better outcomes. For more information, visit Cancer Research UK.