‘I’ll just wait and see’: why you shouldn’t ignore bowel cancer symptoms 

As part of our Early Diagnosis Programme, we're working with healthcare professionals and communities to encourage people to recognise the symptoms of bowel cancer and seek help without delay. In this blog, GP Dr Navdeep Singh Alg explains why it's important not to ignore changes in your body, and why getting symptoms checked early could make all the difference. 

As winter approaches, many people put their own health to the bottom of the list. Busy schedules, concerns about NHS pressures or simply hoping symptoms will disappear can all lead to delays. But as a GP, there's one thing I'd urge everyone not to put off: getting possible symptoms of bowel cancer checked. 

‘I'll just wait and see’ is something I hear a lot as a GP. Many people hope symptoms will go away on their own or worry they're making a fuss over nothing. Others feel that if it turns out to be bowel cancer, there's not much that can be done anyway. The reality is that isn't the case. 

Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. That's why recognising potential symptoms of bowel cancer and getting any unusual changes in your body checked as soon as possible by visiting your GP is so important. 

Potential signs of bowel cancer can include: 

• blood in your poo 

• bleeding from your bottom 

• a change in your pooing habits – you might be going more or less often or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go. 

• losing weight but you’re not sure why 

• feeling tired all the time but not knowing why 

• a pain or lump in your tummy 

These symptoms don't automatically mean you have bowel cancer. There are many other, less serious causes. But if something doesn't look or feel right, or the symptoms don't go away, please don't ignore them. The earlier that it’s found, the more treatable it’s likely to be.  

As GPs, we'd always rather see you and provide reassurance than have you stay at home wondering. You are never wasting our time by coming in with symptoms that concern you. 

I know talking about bowel habits isn't anyone's favourite conversation, but it's one we've had many times before. There's no need to feel embarrassed. 

So, if you notice a change that isn't normal for you, don't put it off. Make an appointment with your GP and ask for an easy at-home test. It might turn out to be nothing serious, but if it is bowel cancer, finding it early can make all the difference. 

Above: Dr Navdeep Singh Alg is GP Cancer Lead for Croydon, Sutton and Merton.