UNWRAPPED
The 6 hidden signs of bowel cancer to watch for this Christmas – from festive naps to feeling full
Plus, what lifesaving cancer screenings you are eligible for, and when you can get them
THE FESTIVE season is all about spending time with loved ones, celebrations and, of course, overindulgence.
With the average Brit devouring 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone, it’s no surprise we often end up feeling uncomfortable come 5pm.
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However, those tummy troubles might not always be down to overeating and instead, could, in rare cases, be a sign of bowel cancer.
In the UK, bowel cancer is now the third most common cancer, with almost 44,000 people diagnosed every year.
Grim projections from Cancer Research UK also warned that 5,000 more Brits will get the disease every year by 2040.
However, nine in 10 patients survive it if diagnosed at the earliest stage, according to Bowel Cancer UK.
Read more on bowel cancer
The bowel makes up a part of the digestive system and is split into the small and large bowel. It includes the colon, rectum and anus.
Bowel cancer can often manifest itself in your bowel habits, changing the consistency of your poo and how often you need to go to the loo.
Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at , reveals just some of the symptoms that might crop up this festive season.
1. The belly that won’t budge
A bloated stomach after your turkey dinner is normal, thanks to overeating and gas build-up.
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Usually, the discomfort fades within hours.
But if the bloating lingers for days or feels unusually severe, it could point to gut issues or even bowel cancer.
The 3-minute tummy massage to ease bloating, constipation and trapped wind
“Bloating that doesn’t go away should be checked out,” warns Kiran.
2. Too many trips to the loo
Rich festive meals can send you to the bathroom more often, but frequent or urgent trips that persist beyond the season are a red flag.
“Pay attention to changes in bowel habits,” Kiran advises.
Persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or a sudden need to go could signal early signs of bowel cancer.
3. Unexplained fatigue
Christmas chaos and post-dinner naps go hand in hand, but constant exhaustion that isn’t cured by rest might mean something more serious.
“Bowel cancer can cause anaemia from blood loss in the bowel, leaving you feeling drained,” explains Kiran.
If you’re unusually tired for no reason, get it checked out.
A full list of bowel cancer symptoms
Bowel cancer can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity or where you live.
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Blood in your poo
- Changes in your bowel habits, such as going more or less often, or experiencing diarrhoea or constipation that comes and goes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant tiredness without a clear reason
- A lump or pain in your stomach
Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s still important to find out what’s causing them.
4. Seeing red in the loo
Beetroot or cranberry sauce can turn your stool red, but actual blood- whether bright red or dark - should never be ignored.
“Persistent bleeding is a key warning sign of bowel cancer,” says Kiran.
While haemorrhoids or straining may explain it, it’s best to consult your GP.
5. Stuffed before the starters
If you feel unusually full after eating just a little, it could signal a blockage or tumour in the bowel.
“It’s tempting to blame festive overindulgence,” Kiran says, “but a constant feeling of fullness should be monitored, especially if it doesn’t ease.”
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6. Not just Christmas cramps
We’ve all experienced stomach pains from eating too much, but persistent or sharp pain isn’t normal.
“Pain that’s localised, ongoing, or wakes you at night could point to a bowel obstruction or tumour,” warns Kiran.
Cancer screenings in England
CATCHING cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and a huge part of that is attending regular screenings.
NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.
"If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ," the NHS says.
"Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective."
Cervical screening
This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.
Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.
During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
Those that test positive are then analysed further.
Breast screening
Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.
But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Bowel screening
This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.
It is available to everyone aged 54 to 74, with the programme gradually expanding to those 50-plus after The Sun's No Time 2 Lose campaign.
Currently, those aged 54 to 74 are automatically sent an at-home test kit every two years, so make sure your GP has your correct address.
The at-home test involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.
If you're 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Source: NHS
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