Although cancer is often thought of as a disease affecting older adults, recent research shows a troubling rise in colorectal cancer among younger people. It is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in the US for men and women under the age of 50.
Recognising the Symptoms
Health experts stress the importance of knowing the signs, as bowel cancer is often treatable and can be curable if detected early. According to Bowel Cancer UK, survival rates are extremely high when the disease is caught at its earliest stage.
Common symptoms include:
- Changes in your poo, such as softer stools, diarrhoea or constipation that is unusual for you
- Needing to poo more or less often than normal
- Blood in your poo, which may appear red or black
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Frequently feeling the urge to poo, even after going
- Tummy pain
- A lump in your tummy
- Bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling very tired or short of breath, which can be signs of anaemia caused by bowel cancer
Van Der Beek’s openness about his experience has prompted renewed calls for greater awareness and early screening, particularly among younger adults who may not consider themselves at risk.
