Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
April is #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. National statistics show that someone dies of bowel cancer every 30 minutes.
Bowel cancer is cancer that develops anywhere in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. Bowel Cancer UK have launched #KnowTheHigh5 – an initiative to improve public knowledge of the five “red flag” symptoms of the disease:
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Although most people with these symptoms will not have bowel cancer, it is important to speak to a doctor should you have any of the above or feel things aren’t right. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease greatly improves chances of recovery.
Anyone can get bowel cancer, but you are considered to be at increased risk 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
Your treatment options will depend on the size of the cancer, how far it has spread, and your general health. You may be offered one or a combination of treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted medicines.
Further information on bowel cancer symptoms and help available for those directly affected by the disease can be found on the following websites:
If you or a member of your family have experienced sub-standard or delayed medical care in relation to bowel cancer, our team of specialist Medical Negligence solicitors can help you to pursue a claim for compensation.
