According to Cancer Research UK, rates of bowel cancer in people under 50 are rising both in the UK and globally with women being affected at a faster rate than men.
This form of cancer, known as early onset bowel cancer or colorectal cancer (EOCRC), is now increasingly being diagnosed in adults aged 25-49, and unfortunately are more likely to be diagnosed as an emergency or at a later stage.
As a GP and bowel cancer survivor myself, diagnosed at the age of 39, I know first-hand how important awareness is. I had no significant family history, no obvious risk factors, and yet, my life changed was turned upside down when I heard the words nobody wants to hear. I am very grateful that treatment was successful and I’ve been cancer free for 7 years. However, for many others, the story is tragically different, because they present too late, signs are dismissed or attributed to less serious causes.
“I was a GP and my husband was a bowel cancer specialist. The irony.”
That’s why understanding the symptoms, knowing what red flags to look out for, and recognising when to seek medical help are vital.
My story
When I first noticed fresh blood in my stool, I assumed it was due to being constipated. A busy mum of two young children aged 5 and 6, running a house, having a full-on career, wife, and runner, I felt well. I assumed it was just piles as I was experiencing more constipation, and the symptoms came and went. But over 2-3 months, the symptoms increased and I experienced a couple of episodes of severe tummy pain. I saw my GP who agreed we would treat the constipation and piles but if the symptoms didn’t settle, I would be referred to see a specialist. The symptoms did settle with treatment, but a month later whilst on holiday in Italy, the fatigue and weight loss set in and the bowel symptoms worsened. On my return, I was swiftly referred for a colonoscopy, where I was told, “it’s nasty” and that I had cancer. In a heartbeat, my world came crashing down.
When I received that stage 3 bowel cancer diagnosis, I was shocked. I was a GP and my husband was a bowel cancer specialist. The irony. How had this happened to me? I was only 39, and I didn’t have the ‘risk profile.’ Yet there I was, suddenly facing surgery, a stoma, chemotherapy, and possibly radiotherapy too.
From the day I was diagnosed, I was determined to turn my negative into a positive and help others along the way. My experience is why I’m so passionate about raising awareness. If my story can help break any taboo, stigma or embarrassment around this cancer or even encourage even one person to seek help earlier, it’s worth it.
Why are rates rising in the under 50s?
We know that 54% of bowel cancers are preventable – low fibre diets, red and processed meat consumption, alcohol, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and smoking are all risk factors of bowel cancer. However, that is not the whole story, as this is not the case for many afflicted by this disease at a younger age.
Researchers are still investigating why bowel cancer is increasing in younger adults. In fact, I am part of a global research project, TEAM PROSPECT, who are on a 5-year quest to find out what other risk factors could be potentially leading to this global rise funded by the Cancer Grand Challenges. Theories include changes in diet, rising obesity, sedentary lifestyles, gut microbiome imbalances, certain gut bacteria such as Colibactin, alcohol consumption, microplastics and environmental factors. But while science works to catch up with the why, what matters most right now is the what to look for and when to act.
Key signs and symptoms of bowel cancer
Bowel cancer can be tricky because its early symptoms often mimic common conditions like piles (haemorrhoids) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). That’s why persistent changes, or anything that just doesn’t feel right in your gut should never be ignored.
The acronym BOWEL is the simplest way to remember all the symptoms:
- B: Blood in your poo, blood in the toilet pan or on the tissue.
- O: Obvious change in bowel habits. This could mean looser stools, going more often, feeling like you haven’t emptied your bowels fully or constipation that doesn’t settle. A change that lasts more than three weeks needs to be checked.
- W: Weight loss. Losing weight without trying should be investigated.
- E: Extreme tiredness. This can be a sign of anaemia caused by bowel cancer.
- L: Lump in your tummy or persistent tummy pain.
And remember, just because you have these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have bowel cancer, but they are what we call red flags so they do need to be checked by a doctor.
Tracking your symptoms
We’ve all been there, you get to the doctor’s and feel embarrassed or completely forget what’s actually been going on. One of the simplest but most powerful tools you can use is keeping a symptom diary. Note down:
- Dates and details of any changes in bowel habit.
- Frequency and appearance of bleeding.
- Pain patterns – when it happens, what makes it better or worse.
- Changes in weight, appetite, and fatigue levels.
Not only does this help you feel more in control, but it also gives your doctor clear, practical information to work with. Bowel Cancer UK have one that is downloadable on their website that you can take to your doctor’s appointment.
When to seek help
Trust your instincts. You know your body better than anyone. If something feels off, don’t put it down to stress, diet, or being too young.
Book an appointment with your GP if:
- You have any of the red flag symptoms listed above.
- Your symptoms last longer than three weeks.
- You notice a pattern of unexplained change.
And if you feel your concerns are being dismissed, advocate for yourself and don’t be afraid to push back, ask for a second opinion, or request further investigation. Early diagnosis saves lives – bowel cancer is very treatable if caught early.
Breaking the stigma
Talking about bowel habits can feel embarrassing. But breaking that stigma is part of what will save lives. We need to normalise conversations about poo, bleeding, bloating, and gut health. If we can talk about our hair, our skin, or our sleep with friends and family, we can talk about this too.
The bottom line
Bowel cancer is no longer just an “older person’s disease.” Rates of early onset cases are rising, and awareness is key.
- Know the symptoms.
- Don’t ignore red flags.
- Track changes.
- Seek help early.
Your gut instinct really does matter – if something doesn’t feel right, get it checked.
It could just save your life.
