Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to talk about something many people would rather avoid. Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and while it is very treatable when caught early, too many people delay seeking help — often out of embarrassment.
An avoidable delay
Surveys have found that a large majority of younger adults would put off going to their GP about symptoms that could indicate bowel disease. That reluctance is understandable — the symptoms can feel awkward to discuss — but it can be dangerous. Delay allows a treatable condition to progress.
Why early detection matters so much
The difference that early detection makes is dramatic. When bowel cancer is found at the earliest stage, the great majority of people survive it; when it is found late, outcomes are far poorer. Put simply, seeing someone sooner rather than later can be the difference between a straightforward treatment and a life-threatening illness. High-profile campaigners such as Dame Deborah James and the broadcaster George Alagiah did much to raise awareness of exactly this point.
Know the warning signs
It’s worth being aware of the symptoms that should prompt a conversation with your GP:
- bleeding from the bottom or blood in your stools;
- a persistent change in bowel habit lasting three weeks or more;
- abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort; and
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness.
Having these symptoms does not mean you have cancer — they have many causes — but they are always worth getting checked.
How employers can help
Employers have a part to play too. A bowel cancer diagnosis can amount to a disability under the Equality Act, and supportive employers can make a real difference — encouraging a culture where people feel able to seek help early, and supporting those affected through diagnosis, treatment and return to work. The “I’ve got guts” message is ultimately a simple one: don’t wait, get checked.
