Know The Signs: Bowel Cancer

Look out for:

• A persistent change in your normal bowel habits 
• Diarrhoea or constipation that isn't usual for you 
• Blood in your poo, which may appear red or black 
• Bleeding from your bottom 
• Feeling like you still need to poo after going 
• Persistent tummy pain or discomfort 
• Bloating 
• A lump or swelling in your tummy 
• Losing weight without trying 
• Feeling unusually tired or short of breath, which can sometimes be linked to anaemia

If you have symptoms of bowel cancer for 3 weeks or more, speak to your GP. 

Don't be embarrassed about talking about bowel or toilet changes. Your GP or healthcare professional will be used to discussing these symptoms.

If your poo is black or dark red, or you have bloody diarrhoea, seek urgent medical advice. 

The NHS offers bowel cancer screening to eligible people. Screening can help find bowel cancer earlier, sometimes before symptoms appear.