CaRi-heart technology
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Q&A with Mr Jonathan Wild on the symptoms of bowel cancer
Mr Jonathan Wild is a consultant colorectal and general surgeon at The Wilmslow Hospital and The Christie Private Care. After completing his specialist training, he went on to gain further experience with fellowships in advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery, advanced pelvic oncology and peritoneal surface malignancy.
Is it true that the incidence of bowel cancer in younger people is rising?
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is the fourth most common cause of cancer in the UK, with over 42,000 new cases every year. It’s more common with advancing age, but in recent years there has been a clear increase in the incidence of bowel cancer in younger adults aged between thirty and fifty years old, so it’s important for people at every age to be mindful of their bowel health and look out for any changes.
What are the main symptoms to look out for?
Common symptoms include a persistent, unexplained change in bowel habit towards a looser or more frequent stool, blood in your stool or bleeding from your bottom. Other symptoms of bowel cancer include unintentional weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain and bloating.
Do these symptoms mean I have bowel cancer?
No, it’s important to note that these symptoms will not always mean you’ve got bowel cancer. Many other health problems can cause similar symptoms, but it’s important that if you are experiencing any new or persistent symptoms or something doesn’t feel right, that you don’t delay in seeing your doctor to get a diagnosis. When diagnosed early, bowel cancer is highly treatable. So, it’s better to identify what is causing these symptoms as soon as possible.