A doctor has highlighted an easily overlooked symptom of bowel cancer that many people could mistake for an ordinary digestive problem.
With colorectal cancer diagnoses attracting increasing concern among younger adults, medical professionals are urging people not to dismiss persistent changes in their bowel habits.
One of the biggest challenges is that bowel cancer can cause symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common condition affecting the digestive system.
Both conditions can involve abdominal discomfort, bloating and changes in how frequently someone needs to use the toilet.
However, a GP has identified one symptom that deserves particular attention, especially when it is new, persistent or accompanied by other changes.
Doctor reveals bowel cancer warning sign
Dr Asiya Maula, a GP at The Health Suite, has highlighted the sensation of needing to empty your bowels even after you have just been to the toilet.
Known medically as tenesmus, or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, the symptom can leave someone feeling as though they still need to pass stool despite having already had a bowel movement.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Dr Maula explained that a growth in the bowel or rectum can sometimes create pressure, irritation or a partial obstruction.
This may produce the persistent feeling that the bowel has not emptied properly.
However, the symptom is not exclusive to cancer. Constipation, IBS and other digestive or rectal conditions can also cause a similar sensation.
Experiencing it does not automatically mean someone has bowel cancer, but a new or persistent change should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Why bowel cancer can be confused with IBS
IBS is a common digestive condition that can cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea, constipation and bloating.
Symptoms may fluctuate and can sometimes be associated with certain foods, stress or other triggers.
Bowel cancer can produce overlapping symptoms, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the conditions based on symptoms alone.
Unlike IBS, bowel cancer may also cause unexplained bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia or unintended weight loss.
Importantly, no single symptom can reliably confirm or rule out bowel cancer.
Other bowel cancer symptoms to watch for
Dr Maula also highlighted unexplained anaemia, which can develop when a tumour causes gradual blood loss.
Iron-deficiency anaemia may result in unusual tiredness, weakness or breathlessness because the blood becomes less effective at carrying oxygen around the body.
Other recognised warning signs include blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss and a lasting change in bowel habits.
Some people may experience diarrhoea or constipation that is different from their usual pattern.
These symptoms have many possible causes, most of which are not cancer, but persistent or unexplained changes should not be ignored.
Why younger adults should take symptoms seriously
Although bowel cancer is more common in older adults, increasing rates among younger people have prompted concern among researchers and healthcare professionals.
Dr Maula warned that people in their twenties, thirties and forties should not assume their age rules out the possibility of cancer.
Early assessment can help identify potentially serious conditions while they are more treatable.
In the UK, anyone experiencing persistent bowel changes, unexplained bleeding or other concerning symptoms should contact their GP.
A doctor may recommend blood tests, stool testing or further investigations depending on the symptoms and individual circumstances.
The key message is not to panic over an isolated digestive problem, but to recognise when symptoms are unusual, persistent or worsening.
Getting checked early can provide reassurance when the cause is harmless and help avoid dangerous delays when further treatment is needed.
