Bowel cancer is a significant health concern affecting one in 20 women and one in 17 men over their lifetime. According to Cancer Research UK, 54% of bowel cancer diagnoses are preventable.
Ellie Wilcock’s stage 4 diagnosis serves as a reminder that subtle symptoms can be indicative of the disease. She shared her experience on TikTok, highlighting four key signs she experienced before being diagnosed.
Pain was one of her primary concerns, which she initially dismissed as a possible urinary tract infection (UTI). However, further tests revealed no infection, prompting her to undergo more extensive evaluations.
Fatigue was another symptom that significantly impacted her daily life. Despite being generally healthy, Ellie found herself exhausted after work and struggling to stay awake in the evenings.
Changes to toilet habits, such as blood in her stool or softer-than-usual poop, were also notable signs she didn’t recognize at first. However, she now emphasizes the importance of monitoring these symptoms closely.
Lastly, a loss of appetite was another symptom Ellie experienced. Although not directly related to weight loss, her reduced appetite led to nausea and decreased food consumption.
The NHS identifies pain, fatigue, changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, and bloating as potential warning signs of bowel cancer. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns, consult your GP promptly.
Source: https://www.ladbible.com/news/health/stage-4-bowel-cancer-symptoms-044622-20241208