Colon cancer is rising in men under 50 – these are the symptoms you shouldn't ignore

Many people associate bowel cancer with older age groups, which can make it easy to dismiss symptoms when they occur earlier in life.

However, symptoms such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss should never be ignored, regardless of age.

While these symptoms are often caused by conditions other than bowel cancer, they should still be assessed properly to identify the underlying cause.

Understanding the potential signs of bowel cancer can help you recognise when it may be time to seek medical advice.

Key takeaways

• Persistent changes in bowel habits should always be assessed.

• Blood in the stool is not always serious but should never be ignored.

• Bowel cancer symptoms can have many possible causes.

• Early medical assessment can help identify the cause of symptoms sooner.

• A GP can advise whether further investigation is needed.

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large bowel, including the colon and rectum.

Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals experience several symptoms, while others may notice only one ongoing change in their health.

Because symptoms often overlap with other digestive conditions, it is important to pay attention to any changes that are unusual for you or do not improve over time.

Colon cancer symptoms

Colon cancer symptoms can vary, but some of the most commonly reported include:

• Changes in bowel habits

• Blood in the stool

• Persistent abdominal discomfort

• Unexplained weight loss

• Ongoing fatigue

• A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

These symptoms do not automatically indicate cancer, but they should be assessed if they persist or continue to worsen.

Changes in bowel habits

One of the most common bowel cancer symptoms is a noticeable and ongoing change in bowel habits.

This may include:

• More frequent bowel movements

• Persistent diarrhoea

• Ongoing constipation

• Changes in stool consistency

• Changes in stool appearance

Occasional digestive changes are common and often resolve without treatment.

However, symptoms that continue for several weeks should not be ignored.

Blood in stool causes

Blood in the stool can have a number of causes.

These may include:

• Haemorrhoids

• Anal fissures

• Inflammatory bowel conditions

• Infections

• Bowel polyps

• Bowel cancer

Although blood in the stool does not necessarily mean cancer is present, it should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Early signs of bowel cancer

The early signs of bowel cancer can sometimes be subtle.

Symptoms may develop gradually and be mistaken for less serious digestive issues.

Potential warning signs include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits

• Intermittent blood in the stool

• Ongoing abdominal discomfort

• Unexplained fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

Because these symptoms can occur with many different conditions, professional assessment is often the best way to determine the cause.

Symptoms of bowel cancer in men

The symptoms of bowel cancer in men are generally the same as those experienced by women.

However, some men delay seeking medical advice because they assume symptoms are minor or will resolve on their own.

Symptoms that warrant assessment include:

• Blood in the stool

• Persistent changes in bowel habits

• Ongoing abdominal pain

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistent fatigue

Seeking advice early can help identify whether further investigation is required.

When should you speak to a GP?

It is important to seek medical advice if you notice:

• Blood in your stool

• Changes in bowel habits lasting several weeks

• Persistent abdominal discomfort

• Unexplained weight loss

• Ongoing fatigue

• Symptoms that continue to worsen

These symptoms often have causes other than bowel cancer, but they should be properly assessed.

A GP consultation can help review your symptoms, medical history and risk factors and determine whether further investigation may be appropriate.

Could other conditions cause these symptoms?

Yes.

Many bowel cancer symptoms can also occur with less serious conditions.

Digestive conditions, infections, haemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disorders can all cause similar symptoms.

This is why self-diagnosis is rarely reliable.

If symptoms are persistent, unusual for you or causing concern, medical assessment is recommended.

Why prompt assessment matters

Many people delay seeking medical advice because symptoms seem manageable or intermittent.

However, ongoing symptoms should not be ignored.

Prompt assessment can help identify the cause of symptoms, provide reassurance where appropriate and ensure that any necessary investigations are arranged without unnecessary delay.

Final points

Bowel cancer symptoms can have many possible causes, but they should never be dismissed simply because you are younger or otherwise healthy.

Persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss and ongoing fatigue all warrant medical attention.

If you are experiencing symptoms that are unusual for you or that continue to persist, seeking professional medical advice can help identify the cause and determine whether further investigation is needed.

FAQs

What are the most common colon cancer symptoms?

Common colon cancer symptoms include blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss and ongoing fatigue.

Does blood in the stool always mean bowel cancer?

No. Blood in the stool can occur for many reasons, including haemorrhoids and anal fissures. However, it should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

What are the early signs of bowel cancer?

Early signs may include changes in bowel habits, intermittent blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

Are bowel cancer symptoms different in men?

The symptoms are generally the same in men and women, although some men may delay seeking medical advice for digestive symptoms.

When should I see a GP about bowel symptoms?

You should seek medical advice if symptoms persist for several weeks, worsen over time or include blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or ongoing abdominal discomfort.

Can a GP help investigate bowel cancer symptoms?

A GP can assess your symptoms, review your medical history and advise whether further tests or specialist referral may be appropriate.