Bowel Cancer: Know the Signs, Reduce the Risk, Get Checked

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but when caught early it is highly treatable. Knowing the signs and understanding how to reduce your risk can make a life-saving difference.

Symptoms to Watch For

• A persistent change in bowel habit (looser stools, more frequent stools)
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort
• Unexplained tiredness or iron-deficiency anaemia

Who Is at Higher Risk?

• Age over 50
• Family history of bowel cancer or polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
• Smoking and high alcohol intake
• Diets high in red and processed meat, low in fibre
• Type 2 diabetes and obesity

Reducing Your Risk

• Eat plenty of fibre, vegetables and wholegrains
• Limit red and processed meat
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
• Take part in NHS bowel screening when invited

How FDG Can Help

Our private GPs can review symptoms, arrange blood tests, FIT (faecal immunochemical) testing and onward referral to consultant colorectal specialists for colonoscopy where indicated — usually within days, not weeks.