Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers to be diagnosed in the UK. You should consider speaking to a doctor if you notice that you never fully feel like you’ve emptied your bowels after passing a stool.
Bowel cancer is a general term for any cancer that develops in the large bowel, and it may sometimes be known as colon or rectal cancer.
The early warning signs of bowel cancer can be very subtle, and many people may not be aware that they’re at risk.
That’s why it’s crucial that you always check your stools after using the toilet.
One of the most common signs of bowel cancer include feeling as though you’ve not truly emptied your bowels after using the loo.
The feeling of being unable to empty your bowels is also known as rectal tenesmus.
The symptom can be very painful, especially if it’s accompanied by stomach cramps or bloating.
Tenesmus is likely to be caused by constipation or diarrhoea, while your diet could also be impacting your body’s ability to empty your bowels.
But, you should speak to a doctor if you’re worried about tenesmus, as it could be caused by something more serious.
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“Bowel cancer is very treatable but the earlier it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat,” said charity Bowel Cancer UK.
“If you have any symptoms, don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of people with bowel problems.
“Tell your GP if you have noticed any persistent and unexplained changes in your bowel habit, especially if you also have bleeding from your back passage.
“You may have looser poo and you may need to poo more often than normal. Or you may feel as though you’re not going to the toilet often enough or you might not feel as though you’re not fully emptying your bowels.”
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Tenesmus could also be caused by a colon infection, irritable bowel syndrome, or even haemorrhoids.
Your doctor will carry out a quick medical assessment to determine the cause of your symptoms.
They’ll ask about your bowel habits, diet, lifestyle, and whether you have any other underlying health conditions.
More than 40,000 new cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed in the UK every year.
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You could lower your risk of bowel cancer by making some small diet or lifestyle changes.
Eating large amounts of red and processed meats have been linked with a higher likelihood of bowel cancer.
Smoking, drinking too much alcohol and obesity could also lead to the disease, the NHS warned.
More than 90 percent of all bowel cancer causes occur in people over the age of 50.
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